«^%«i    mm^ 


II  ^. 


LIBRARY    OF     THE     THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARY 


PRINCETON,    N.    J. 


ivVs,  CI. 


PRESENTED    BY 


Ltt.OsqoocH 


BV  255  .B37  1871 
Barnes,  Albert,  1798-1870 
Prayers  for  the  use  of 
families 


PRAYERS 


roa 


THE   USE   OF  FAMILIES, 


i  ^tUttinu  nf  I^mns. 


/  i,y^^^7  n  CkH 


PRAYERS 


.\^ 


THE    USE    OF    FAMILIES, 


CHIEFLY  SELECTED  FROM  VARIOUS  AUTHORS ;  WITH  A 
PRELIMINARY  ESSAY: 


itll  a  ^tlttVun  oi  ltatnn$ 


BY  REV.  ALBERT   BARNES. 


^tw  v^tviBttX  £Hilion 


PHILADELPHIA: 

CHARLES   DESILVER  ;    CLAXTON.  REMSEN  AND 

HAFFELFINGER ;  J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  &  CO. 

Boston:  NICHOLS  &  HALL. 

A'i'iH  Vorfc :  Oaklet,  Mason  A  Co.;  A.  S.  Barnes**  Co.;  D.  Applktox  A  Co. — San 

Fi-dnaxcn.  Cal. :  A.  L.  BAycRoiT  &  Co. — Cincinnati:  Wilson,  Hinkle  &  Co.; 

Robert  Clarke  &  Co. — CharUsInn,  S.  C.:  J.  M.  Grker:  Edward  Perry. — 

Rule.igh,  N.  C:  WlLLUMS  &  ijAVBV.itt.  — Baltimore,  Mi/.:  CcsniNOS  4 

Bailey;  Selbt  &  Dulvney. — Siw  Orleans,  La.:  Stevens  &  Setmi)u«i. 

— Savannah,  Ga.:  .•.  M.  Cooper*  Co. — Macon.Ga.:  3.  M.  Boab~- 

MAW. — Augusta,  G-.:  ""hos.  Ricpards  A  Son. — ■'Richmond. 

t  tl  :   WOODHOUSE  A  ?ARHA«« 

187L 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlio  year  1849,  ojr 

THOMAS,  COWPERTHWAIT  &  CO. 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  foi 
the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


BTEBKOTTFED     BY     J.     FAOAN. 

e  R  I  S  S  V     AND     M  A  U  K  I.  E  V,     PRINTERS. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


The  following  Selection  of  Prayers  and 
Hymns,  has  been  made  for  the  aid  of  those 
heads  of  families  who  believe  family  devotion 
to  be  a  duty,  but  who  are  deterred  from  it  by 
diffidence,  or  by  supposed  want  of  ability.  In 
the  Preliminary  Essay  I  have  endeavoured  to 
show  the  importance  of  the  duty,  and  to  meet 
the  usual  excuses  made  for  neglecting  it.  One 
of  these  excuses  is  the  plea  of  the  want  of  abil- 
ity. To  meet  that,  as  far  as  lies  in  my  power, 
has  been  the  main  design  of  this  selection.  In 
meeting  it,  free  use  has  been  made  of  all  the 
helps  to  family  devotion  within  my  reach.  Al- 
terations have  been  made  where  they  were 
deemed  to  be  desirable,  and  especially  made  to 
render  the  prayers  as  simple  and  direct  as  pos- 
sible. A  few  additions  have  been  made  to  adapt 
them  to  our  times,  and  especially  to  Sunday 
Schools,  and  to  the  great  efforts  of  Christian 
benevolence  to  fill  the  earth  with  the  gospel. 
A  2  (y) 


Vi  ADVERTISEMENT. 

These  additions  are  indicated  at  the  beginning 
and  the  end  by  a  small  asterisk.  And  as  praise 
may  be  made  a  most  important  and  interesting 
part  of  family  devotion,  a  selection  of  Hymns 
has  been  added  especially  adapted  to  this  de- 
sign. As  no  such  selections  came  -svithin  my 
reach,  I  have  made  this  from  various  authors, 
and  in  the  best  manner  that  I  was  able,  with 
the  helps  to  which  I  have  had  access.  The 
Selection  has  been  made  from  the  "Church 
Psalmody,"  by  Messrs.  Mason  and  Green ;  from 
the  General  Assembly's  Psalms  and  Hymns; 
the  "  Village  Hymns ;"  "  Sacred  Lyrics,"  by  Mr. 
Beman ;  Dr.  Dwight's  Psalms  and  Hymns ;  and 
Hymns  by  Dr.  Alexander.  The  book  is  com- 
mitted to  the  blessing  of  God,  with  the  prayer 
that  it  may  be  one  of  the  aids  by  which  the 
great  ends  of  the  family  organization  may  be 
secured ;  and  a  means  by  which  the  worship  of 
God  may  be  extended  and  perpetuated  amidst 
the  families  of  this  land.  A.  B. 

riiii.ADri.i'iiiA,  J;imiary,  1S")0. 


CONTENTS. 


PRELIMINAHT  EsSAT    .  .Page   '    13 

Morning  and  Evening  Prayers. 

First  week 50 

Second  week 88 

Third  week 122 

Fourth  week 156 

Fifth  week 188 

Prayers    and    Thanksgivings   for 
Particular  Occasions. 

Last  Evening  ofthe  Old  Year  216 
First  morning  of  the   New 

Year 219 

For  Christmas   Day  (Morn- 
ing)     223 

For   Christmas    Day  (Even- 
ing)    225 

For    a    Sacrament    Sabbath 

(Morning) 228 

For    a    Sacrament    Sabbath 

(Evening) 230 

Fast  Day  (Morning) 233 

(Evening) 236 

In  Time  of  Pestilence 239 

For  Rain 239 

For  Fair  Weather 240 

Under  Family  Affliction  . . .    241 


For  a  Sick  Child 245 

Under  Dangerous  Sickness  .  246 

For  One  Dying 248 

The  Evening  after  a  Fune- 
ral   249 

Mourning   for   the    Loss    of 

Relatives  and  Friends  . . .  251 

The  Seasons  — 

Spring 253 

Summer 254 

Autumn 254 

Winter 255 

For  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving 

(Morning) 256 

For  a  Day  of  Thanksgiving 

(Evening) 258 

Thanksgiving  for  Rain  after 

a  Drought 261 

For  Fair  Weather  after  Rain   261 

For  a  Good  Harvest 261 

For  the  Restoration  of  Plenty  262 
For    a    Safe  Return    from    a 

Journey 263 

For  Recovery  from  Sickness  263 
Prayers  at  Table 264 


INDEX  TO  THE  HYMNS. 


Morning  Hymns 269 

Evening  Hymns 277 

Saturday  Nitjht 285 

Morning  or  Evening 286 

Family  Religion 288 

Sabbath  Morning 293 

Sabbath  Evening 300 

For    the    Beginning    of    the 

Year 303 

The  Close  of  the  Year 305 


The  Seasons 307 

The  Spread  of  the  Gospel. .  315 

Early  Piety 323 

Miscellaneous 328 

The  Holy  Scriptures 337 

Afflictions  and  Death 340 

Time  and  Eternity 346 

The  Judgment 349 

Heaven 352 

(vii) 


INDEX  OF  FIRST  LINES. 


A 

AoAiN  the  Lord  of  life  and  light ^   Page  297 

All  hail,  the  great  Iinmanuers  name 321 

Am  I  a  soldier  of  the  cross 330 

And  must  this  body  die 350 

And  now,  my  soul,  another  year 305 

Another  day  is  past 279 

Another  six  day's  work  is  done 295 

Autlior  of  good,  to  thee  we  turn 291 

Awake,  my  drowsy  soul 273 

Awake,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 270 

Awake,  our  drowsy  souls 297 

B 

Eofrone,  my  worldly  cares,  away 285 

Behold,  the  morning  sun 339 

Blest  are  the  sons  of  peace 290 

Bh-st  be  the  tie  that  binds ■. 2S9 

Blest  morning,  whose  first  dawning  rays 299 

C 

Children,  to  your  Creator,  God 324 

Cease,  ye  mourners,  cease  to  languish 341) 

Come,  dearest  Lord,  and  bless  this  day 296 

Come,  Holy  Spirit,  heavenly  Dove 333 

Come,  let  us  anew 304 

Come,  let  us  join  with  sweet  accord 29fi 

Come,  let  us  now  forget  our  mirth 325 

D 

Day  of  Juflgment  —  day  of  wonders 3 J)t 

Dread  !5overei{;n,  let  my  evening  song 277 

E 

Elernal  God  !   I  bless  thy  name 303 

E'ernity  is  just  at  hand 349 

(viii) 


INDEX  or  FIRST  LINES.  IX 


Father,  by  saints  on  earth  ador'd - ^  ........    282 

Father  of  all,  thy  care  we  bless 288 

Frequent  the  clay  of  God  returns -. 300 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies 323 

From  earliest  dawn  of  life « •    324 

From  Greenland's  icy  mountains 318 

G 

God  of  the  morning,  at  thy  voice t 270 

God  of  my  life,  my  morning  song 270 

God  of  our  fathers,  by  whose  hand 291 

God  of  our  lives,  thy  various  praise .-. - 306 

Glory  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night ^ ^ -. 287 

Great  God !  my  early  vows  to  thee -.  ...   247 

Great  God,  to  thee  my  evening  song ^. -    278 

Great  God  !  this  sacred  day  of  thine ^ -. 296 

Great  God,  we  sing  thy  mighty  hand -.-. 305 

Great  God,  whose  universal  sway 319 

Great  God,  I  own  thy  sentence  just «►. 349 

Great  God,  at  thy  command - 309 

Great  Saviour,  let  thy  power  divine .^ -, 319 

Great  Sun  of  Righteousness,  arise  ...  ..^ 319 

Guide  me,  0  thou  great  Jehovah ^ -. ., .  ..^  .  329 

H 

Hail,  happy  day!  thou  day  of  holy  rest 295 

Hail,  sacred  truth !  whose  piercing  rays -. -.,  337 

Hark!  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy -  . . .  333 

Hark  !  that  shout  of  rapturous  joy 351 

Hear  what  the  voice  from  heaven  proclaims -. -. .  341 

Heav'n  is  the  land  where  troubles  cease 354 

Hosanna,  with  a  cheerful  sound ^ ^ ^ 287 

How  bless'd  the  righteous  when  he  dies -.  340 

How  blest  is  our  brother  bereft 342 

How  pleasant  'tis  to  see ^  291 

How  pleasing  is  the  voice ^ 307 

How  precious.  Lord,  thy  sacred  word 338 

How  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts 339 

How  short  and  hasty  is  our  life 346 

How  soft  the  words  my  Saviour  speaks 327 

How  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave  . .  ; 307 

How  vain  are  all  things  here  below 336 

How  vain  is  all  beneath  tne  skies! ..^  .....^ 359 

1* 


INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINZS. 


I 


I  long  to  behokl  him  arrayed 35' 

I  love  thy  kingdom,  Lord .^ 321 

I  love  to  steal  a^vhile  away 302 

I  send  the  joys  of  earth  away 333 

In  all  my  vast  concerns  with  Thee 2S4 

ndulgent  God,  whose  bounteous  care 279 

ndulgenl  Fatlier,  by  whose  care 280 

In  merry.  Lord,  remember  me 28 1 

Inspirer  and  Hearer  of  prayer 284 

In  tliis  calm  impressive  hour 299 

Is  there  a  time  when  moments  flow 3U1 

J 

Jerusalem  !  my  happy  home 356 

Jesus  shall  reign  wliere'er  the  sun 320 

Jesus,  lover  of  my  soul 334 

L 

Let  all  the  earth  their  voices  raise - 320 

Let  Zion  praise  the  mighty  God 313 

Life  is  the  time  to  serve  the  Lord 347 

Lo !  he  comes,  with  clouds  descending 3.')0 

Lo  !   what  an  entertaining  sight 290 

Lord,  in  the  morning  thou  shalt  hear 293 

Lord,  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray  . .   «  ^  ^«««« 283 

M 

My  few  revolving  years 306 

My  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love ^ 286 

My  God,  accept  my  early  vows 288 

My  son,  know  thou  tiie  Lord 325 

N 

Now  from  labour  and  from  care 281 

Now  in  the  heat  nf  yfintliful  blood 323 

Now  the  shades  of  night  are  gone 267 

O 

O'er  the  gloomy  hills  of  darkness «  317 

O  for  a  closer  walk  with  God 330 

O  for  the  death  of  those ^  . . . .  ^  343 

O  for  a  sweet,  inspiring  ray 353 

O  happy  soul,  that  lives  on  high . . .  359 


INDEX   TO    FIRST   LINES.  Zl 

O  Lord,  how  many  are  my  foes Page  272 

O  Lord,  another  day  is  flown 283 

Oh    where  shall  rest  he  found .' 352 

Oh,  when   shall  Afric's  sahle  sons 316 

Once  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 269 

Onee  more  my  eyes  hehold  tlie  day 247 

On  God  the  race  of  man  depends 312 

On  thee,  each  morning,  O  my  God 287 

On  wings  of  faith,  mount  up,  my  soul,  and  rise 360 

Oppressed  with  guilt,  and  full  of  fears 338 

P 

Pleasing  spring  again  is  here 310 

R 

Religion  is  the  chief  concern .^ 326 

Rise,  my  soul,  and  stretch  t.hy  wings ^  .  334 

S 

Safely  through  another  week 286 

Salvation,  O  the  joyful  sound ^ 330 

Saviour,  breathe  an  evening  blessing 282 

Saviour,  visit  thy  plantation 315 

Shine  on  our  souls,  eternal  God 348 

Show  pity.  Lord  ;  O  Lord,  forgive 331 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  exalt  him  high 313 

Softly  now  the  light  of  day 280 

Soon  as  the  morning  rays  appear 293 

Sovereign  of  worlds  above 315 

Sovereign  of  worlds  above 322 

Sovereign  of  worlds!  display  thy  power 317 

Stern  winter  throws  his  icy  chains 311 

Stretch'd  on  the  cross  the  Saviour  dies 331 

Sweet  is  the  scene  when  Christians  die 345 

Sweet  is  the  time  of  spring ^ 309 

T 

That  awful  day  will  surely  come 352 

That  once  lovHl  form,  now  cold  and  dead ^ 341 

The  day  is  past  and  gone ^ 280 

Thee  we  adore.  Eternal  Name 347 

The  flowry  spring,  at  Gods  command 308 

The  grave  is  now  a  favourd  spot 342 

The  Lord  is  good,  the  heavenly  King 312 

The  night  shall  hear  me  raise  my  song _ 283 

There  is  an  hour  of  hallowed  peace ^ 353 


Xn  INDEX   TO    FIRST   LINES. 

Tliere  is  a  land  of  pure  delight Page  2C)5 

There  is  an  hour  of  peaceful  rest 356 

The  time  is  short!  Sinners  beware 346 

The  winter  is  over  and  gone 310 

Thine  earthly  Sabljaths,  Lord,  we  love 301 

Thou,  gracious  Lord,  art  my  defence 272 

Thou,  Lord,  through  every  changing  scene 292 

Thou  that  dost  my  life  prolong 27 1 

Thrice  happy  souls,  who,  born  of  heaven 257 

Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on 277 

Tis  finish'd,  the  conflict  is  past 343 

To-morrow,  Lord,  is  thine 348 

To  praise  the  ever-bounteous  Lord 311 

*Twas  by  an  order  from  the  Lord 337 

'Twas  for  my  sins,  my  dearest  Lord 331 

W 

Wake  the  song  of  Jubilee 322 

We  lift  our  hearts  to  thee - ^ 237 

Welcome,  sweet  day  of  rest 294 

Welcome,  delightful  morn 294 

We've  no  abiding  city  here -. 357 

What  are  these  in  bright  array 358 

When  bending  o'er  the  brink  of  life 34 1 

When  blooming  youth  is  snatch'd  away 344 

When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 354 

When  I  survey  the  wond'rous  cross 329 

When,  on  the  third  auspicious  day 300 

When  verdure  clothes  the  fertile  vale 308 

While  in  the  tender  years  of  youth 324 

While  with  ceaseless  course  the  sun '. .  304 

Wiiilst  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power 328 

Who  but  thou.  Almighty  Spirit 317 

Why  do  we  mourn  departing  friends 344 

With  humble  heart  and  tongue 327 

With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud 314 

Y 

Ye  lovely  bands  of  blooming  youth 326 

Yos,  we  trust  the  day  is  breaking ^ ,    335 


PRELIMINARY    ESSAY 


FAMILY  PRATER. 


TO  PARENTS: 

I  WISH,  in  this  Preliminary  Essay,  to  mate  a  candid 
appeal  to  parents  on  the  duty  of  family  prayer.  In 
doing  this,  I  shall  assume  but  one  thing  as  a  conceded 
point — a  thing  which  may  commonly,  at  least,  be  as- 
sumed without  danger  of  error.  It  is,  that  you  feel  a 
deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  your  children ;  and  are 
willing  to  make  use  of  any  proper  means  to  promote 
their  happiness.  This  point  I  assume,  because  the  God 
of  nature  has  so  constituted  us,  that  as  a  great  universal 
rule  parents  will  love  their  children ;  and  because  no 
small  part  of  their  exertions  are  called  forth  with  ex- 
press, and  almost  sole  reference  to  their  present  and 
future  bliss.  You  who  are  parents,  will  instantly  run 
over  in  your  minds,  many  most  tender  and  affecting 
scenes  of  watchfulness,  care,  anxiety,  sleeplessness,  and 
toil,  to  provide  for  their  wants,  alleviate  their  pains, 
defend  them  from  danger,  and  train  them  for  future  re- 
spectability and  happiness.  The  tenderest  emotions  in 
your  bosoms  now,  relate  to  them.  Your  deepest  in- 
terest is  to  see  them  virtuous,  amiable,  happy.  You 
would  run  to  their  relief  in  danger,  and  deny  yourself 
of  ease  to  alleviate  their  pains  in  sickness.  Your  bright- 
est visions  of  future  bliss  in  this  world  are  connected 
B  13^ 


14  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

"witli  their  welfare.  The  loveliest  vie"W  in  the  future,  is 
■when  they  stand  forth,  pure  and  happy,  in  bold  relief, — 
single,  or  in  lovely  groups.  The  chief  solace  in  the 
prospect  of  your  future  trials  ;  in  the  anticipated  days  of 
feebleness  and  pain,  and  in  the  imbecility  and  weariness 
of  advancing  age ;  is  that  a  son  will  live  to  bless  you  by 
his  toil,  or  to  cheer  your  last  days  by  his  virtues ;  or 
that  a  daughter,  lovely  and  tender,  shall  come  around 
your  bed,  and  mingle  her  tears  with  yours,  and  catch 
your  last  breath,  and  with  a  gentle  hand  close  your  eyes 
as  you  sink  into  the  long  sleep  of  death.  I  wish  to  show 
you  that  family  prayer  will  be  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant helps  in  meeting  your  wishes  in  regard  to  your 
children.  And  in  doing  this,  I  invite  your  attention,  in 
the 

1st  place,  to  the  design  of  the  f;imily  organization. 
God  might  have  fitted  up  a  world  of  independent  indivi- 
duals, bound  by  no  common  sympathies ;  cheered  by  no 
common  joys  ;  impelled  by  no  common  wants.  All  that 
is  tender  in  parental  and  filial  affection ;  all  that  is  mild, 
bland,  peaceful  in  love  ;  and  all  that  is  sympathetic  in 
sorrow,  and  in  joy  ;  might  have  been  denied  us.  Soli- 
tary beings,  we  might  have  wept  alone,  rejoiced  alone, 
thought  alone,  died  alone.  The  sun  might  have  shed 
his  beams  around  our  lonely  rambles,  and  not  a  mortal 
have  felt  an  interest  in  our  bliss  or  wo.  Man  miglit 
have  lived  unbenefited  by  the  experience  of  his  ances- 
tors ;  and  witli  none  to  shed  a  tear  around  the  bed  of 
moss  on  which  he  would  recline  in  disease,  and  where 
unwept  he  would  die.  But  this  is  not  the  way  which  he 
has  chosen.  He  has  made  the  race  one  great  brotl  er- 
hood — and  we  feel  807ne  interest  at  least,  in  the  ob- 
scurest man  that  seeks  a  shelter  beneath  a  rock,  or  t'aat 
finds  a  home  in  a  tent,  or  in  a  cave.  "  I  am  a  man,  und 
I  regard  nothing  pertaining  to  man  as  unimportant  to 
me" — was  the  language  of  an  ancient  dramatist,  ani  a 
heatlien  theatre  rang  with  plaudits  at  tlie  noble  sc'iti- 
ment.  Tliis  great  brotherhood  Ciod  has  l)roken  up  i  ito 
communities  of  nations,  and  clans,  and  tribes,  and  faui- 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER. 


15 


lies,  and  neighbourhoods ;  each  with  its  own  set  of  sym- 
pathies :  with  peculiar  interests ;  with  peculiar  resources. 
One  design  is,  to  divide  our  sorrows  by  sympathetic 
emotions.  Another,  to  double  our  joys  by  imparting 
them  to  others  who  sympathize  with  us.  Sorrow  hath 
not  half  its  pangs  when  you  can  mingle  your  tears  with 
those  of  a  friend;  and  joy  has  not  diffused  half  its  bless- 
ings until  1/ our  jo  J  has  lighted  up  the  countenance  of  a 
father,  or  touched  the  sympathies  of  a  brother  or  a 
sister. 

This  organization  will  be  seen  at  once  to  be  eminently 
adapted  to  religion.  On  no  subject  have  we  so  many 
sympathies  as  in  the  great  business  pertaining  to  our 
eternal  welfare.  I  look  on  a  family  circle.  What  tender 
feelings !  what  mutual  love  !  Avhat  common  joys !  what 
united  sorrows!  The  blow  that  strikes  one  member, 
reaches  all.  The  joy  that  lights  up  one  countenance, 
diffuses  its  blessings  over  all.  Together  they  bend  over 
a  sick  member;  together  they  rejoice  at  his  recovery; 
or  together  they  bow  their  heads  and  weep,  and  go  sad 
to  his  grave.  They  are  plunged  into  the  same  apostacy. 
They  are  together  under  the  fearful  visitations  of  that 
malady  which  has  travelled  doAvn  from  Paradise  lost. 
They  are  going  to  a  common  tomb ;  and  over  the  circle 
shines  the  same  sunbeams  of  hope ;  and  the  same  balm 
of  Gilead,  and  the  same  great  Physician  may  diffuse 
health,  peace  and  salvation  there.  Cheered  with  the 
hopes  of  the  same  immortality,  they  may  travel  to  the 
tomb ;  and  the  joy  in  religion  that  beams  from  a  father's 
eye,  may  be  reflected  from  the  happy  faces  of  beloved 
sons  and  daughters.  The  whole  organization  is  clearly 
one  of  the  most  profound  and  wise  in  this  world,  to 
deepen,  extend,  and  perpetuate  the  principles  of  the 
Christian  religion.  Of  this  any  one  may  be  satisfied 
who  will  for  a  moment  compare  the  facilities  of  deepen- 
ing and  prolonging  the  feelings  of  religion  under  all  the 
advantages  of  the  family  sympathy,  compared  with  what 
it  would  and  must  be  "if  the  earth  were  tenanted  by 
isolated  and  independent  individuals.    God  designed  the 


16  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

organization  with  reference  to  all  that  is  pure,  and 
lovely  in  man ;  and  in  fact  he  has  at  all  times  made  the 
family  organization  one  of  the  most  important  facilitiea 
for  extending,  and  perpetuating  religious  feeling. 

The  question  now  arises,  whether  the  full  benefits  of 
this  organization  can  be  accomplished  without  the  aid  of 
family  devotion  ?  In  answer  to  this,  you  will  see  at 
cnce,  that  the  neglect  of  religion  as  a  family,  will  be  to 
break  in  upon  the  whole  design  of  the  organization,  so 
far  as  religion  is  concerned,  and  to  throw  every  mem- 
ber upon  his  own  individual  strength  and  responsibili- 
ties. That  is,  to  separate  religion  from  all  other  things, 
and  deny  it  the  aid  which  is  rendered  to  every  other  ob- 
ject which  you  wish  to  promote — the  aid  derived  from 
the  sympathies  of  the  domestic  alliance,  and  the  endear- 
ments of  the  family  circle.  You  call  in  this  aid  when 
you  wish  to  promote  other  commendable  designs — when 
you  would  prompt  to  industry,  to  learning,  to  morals,  to 
esteem ;  and  you  withhold  this  aid  in  the  greatest  and 
most  important  matter  that  can  ever  press  on  the  atten- 
tion of  your  sons  and  daughters,  and  make  their  religion 
to  be  a  cold,  isolated,  independent  matter,  in  which  they 
receive  no  sympathy  from  you ;  and  where  they  are 
rudely  put  back  from  all  the  tender  sympathies  which 
divide  their  sorrows,  and  joys,  in  all  their  other  interests. 
We  all  know  the  power  of  alliance  and  confederation. 
It  is  the  way  in  which  good  and  evil  ever  have  been,  and 
ever  must  be,  propagated  in  this  world.  Solitary,  un- 
divided efforts  avail  little,  and  from  the  nature  of  the 
case  must  avail  little.  This  is  understood  by  all  men. 
lie  who  wishes  to  rouse  his  countrymen  to  arms,  does  it 
by  an  appeal  to  the  social  principle,  and  seeks  con- 
federated talents  and  valour.  Individual  and  unorga- 
nized efforts  would  do  little  in  the  day  when  men  strug- 
gle for  freedom.  Hence  they  seek  to  pour  on  the  battle 
field  combined  talent,  and  organized  and  compacted 
energy.  So  in  great  deeds  of  evil.  The  drunkard,  the 
prolligate,  the  infidel,  the  pirate,  seeks  alliance  and  de- 
sires confederation  in  the  enormous  deeds  of  guilt  which 


ON   FAMILY   PRAYER. 


17 


arc  contemplated  and  planned.    In  the  same  way,  if  re- 
ligion is  to  be  spread,  it  must  be  by  the  same  alliance 
and  confederation.     It  must  be  by  bringing  combined 
powers  to  act  on  combined  ills  and  dangers.     It  is  de- 
signed to  be  done  by  calling  in  all  the  aid  of  the  family 
confederation;    by  appealing  to  all  the  authority  and 
venerableness  of  a  father  ;  the  tender  love  of  a  mother ; 
the  silken  cords  which  bind  sons  and  daughters  in  com- 
mon love,  and  in  common  hopes.     This  is  clearly  one 
great  design  of  the  organization.     Religion  brings  one 
of  the  most  obvious  and  plain  appeals  which  can  ever  be 
made  to  tbe  family  sympathies.     It  has  more  that  is 
adapted  to  the  family  compact ;  more  that  carries  for- 
ward the  tender  family  sympathies ;  and  more  that  will 
consolidate  and  cement  the  alliance,  than  any  other  sub- 
ject that  can  be  presented  to  the  little  community. — Yet 
to  secure  this,  it  is  clear  that  it  must  be  primary  and 
prominent  in  the  family  doings.     It  must  occupy  a  place 
that  shall  be  obvious  and  often  seen.     It  must  be  often 
presented ;  and  the  strength  and  tenderness  of  the  family 
emotions   must  be  often   brought  to  bear  upon  it.^    I 
shall  attempt  to  show  that  this  can  never  be  done  with- 
out family  prayer.     Indeed,  it  is  almost  so  clear  as  not 
to  admit  of  argument.     The  force  of  the  organization — 
the  power  of  all  the  sympathies  in  the  family,  ca7inot  be 
made  to  bear  on  it,  except  by  daily  acts,  in  which  the 
whole  community  shall  bow  with  united  feelings  before 
the  God  of  grace. 

II.  I  proceed  to  remark,  2dly,  that  family  worship  is 
one  of  the  most  direct  and  obvious  means  of  meeting  the 
evils  to  which  the  family  is  exposed.  The  design  of 
the  family  organization  is  well  understood  —  at  least  all 
parents  have  some  great  ends  which  they  are  endeavour- 
ing to  reach  by  it.  Whatever  these  ends  may  be,  it  will 
be  assumed  that  they  contemplate  education,  restraint, 
guidance,  defence  from  danger,  preparation  for  future 
years.  You  regard  your  children  as  exposed  to  dangers ; 
subject  to  passions  which  demand  control;  liable  to 
headlong  and  dangerous  propensities,  which  need,  in  the 
B2 


18  PRELIMINARY    ESSAY 

earliest  years,  to  be  met  and  restrained.  Tlie  "vs-orld  ia 
settinj!;  in  upon  tlioni  even  in  verv  early  life,  like  a  mist 
from  the  ocean,  witli  a  full  tide  of  iniluences,  which  you 
desire  to  resist.  You  know  there  are  a  thousand  opin- 
ions and  habits  among  men  from  which  you  would  gladly 
restrain  your  children.  Pious  you  may  not  be  ;  but  you 
would  be  willing  to  see  them  walking  in  the  paths  of 
wisdom.  You  know  that  there  are  vices  to  which  they 
are  exposed  ;  and  they  may  meet  with  companions  which 
would  ruin  them  ;  and  that  they  will  soon  be  beyond 
your  control ;  and  you  would  throw  around  them  a 
panoply  which  should  shield  them  from  evil.  Y'^ou  seek 
that  the  influence  of  a  father  and  mother  may  be  pro- 
longed, and  live  even  when  you  may  lie  in  the  grave. 
Y'^ou  would  give  to  yourself  a  kind  of  omnipresent  influ- 
ence, that  your  example  and  precepts  at  least  may  speak 
when  they  are  away  from  you,  or  when  your  tongue 
may  no  more  be  able  to  give  utterance  to  the  precepts 
of  experience,  or  to  the  tenderness  of  parental  love. 

Now  contemplate  for  a  moment  the  influences  from 
the  world,  against  which  a  parent  would  guard. 

There  is,  at  first,  the  influence  of  formed  plans  and 
employments.  The  schemes  of  yesterday  travel  over 
the  night  watches,  and  meet  them  in  the  morning.  They 
are  still  under  the  influence  of  the  world  which  they  met 
yesterday.  Their  schemes  may  not  be  complete.  The 
world  which  they  s:iw  before  they  retired  to  rest ;  the 
opinions  which  they  heard;  the  temptations  which  they 
met,  shall  put  forth  new  power  in  the  freshness  of  the 
morning.  The  charm  has  not  been  dissolved  by  the 
Blumbers  of  the  night.  The  forming  habits  have  not 
been  crushed,  or  even  slept,  while  they  have  sought  re- 
pose. Tiie  influence  of  the  world  which  you  feared 
yesterday,  will  meet  them  again  in  the  morning.  The 
enemy  that  made  advances,  did  not  lose  his  hold  or  even 
shnuber  while  they  reposed.  The  ever  sleepless  foe  is 
strengthening  his  power,  riveting  the  chains,  and  ma- 
king his  prisoner  sure.  Can  there  be  any  way  so  likely 
to  break  in  ujton  this  influence,  as  by  a  solemn  prcsenta- 


ON    FAMILY   PRAYER.  19 

tion  in  the  morning,  to  the  God  of  grace ;  to  bring  in 
the  par'^ntal  power,  and  suffer  tliem  to  see  that  you  are 
influenced  by  better  things ;  and  to  bring  down  all  the 
sacredness  of  the  religious  feeling  to  arrest  and  annihi- 
late this  malignant  influence  ? 

A  second  influence  from  the  world,  results  from  your 
own  plans,  and  views,  which  they  see  from  day  to  day, 
and  with  which  they  are  becoming  increasingly  informed 
and  familiar.  They  see  "what  engrosses  your  thoughts. 
They  know  what  is  in  your  heart.  You  are  encompass- 
ing them  Avith  a  set  of  influences  in  your  fainily,  and 
plans,  which  is  each  day  determining  tlicir  views  of  the 
relative  value  of  objects.  If  religion  has  no  place — no 
obvious,  seen,  and  prominent  place,  in  those  plans,  they 
will  understand  it ;  and  they  will  learn  what  to  think  of 
it.  Let  the  pleasures  of  living  be  all ;  or  the  gains  of 
traflic  be  all ;  or  adorning  be  all ;  or  the  first  and  last 
energies  in  your  house,  and  your  conversation  be  to 
grasp  the  world,  and  your  children  will  be  among  the 
first  of  mortals  to  comprehend  your  whole  character. 
Other  men  may  learn  it  slowly.  Your  children  will 
learn  it  at  once.  And  to-day  shall  deepen  the  lesson  of 
yesterday,  and  to-morrow  shall  write  it  with  the  pen  of 
a  diamond  on  their  hearts.  Can  there  be  any  way  of 
meeting  this  influence  so  direct,  and  decided,  as  by  a 
solemn  presentation  of  them  to  God,  in  the  morning  and 
evening  ;  and  by  thus  leaving  on  them  the  deep  fixed  im- 
pression, that  though  engaged  of  necessity  in  the  world, 
yet  that  you  are  not  unmindful  of  better  things,  and  that 
yonv  first  and  last  thoughts  are  given  unto  God?  This 
act  will  shed  a  new  influence  over  all  your  doings.  It 
will  teach  the  child  that  your  worldly  plans  are  not  pri- 
mary, or  all.  It  will  satisfy  him  that  your  toils  for  gain 
are  the  result  of  necessity,  and  duty ;  not  of  idolatrous 
choice.  It  will  show  that  religion  is  the  deep  voluntary 
preference  of  your  soul ;  excited  not  by  selfishness  and 
interest,  but  by  love  and  a  conviction  of  its  truth  and 
importance  ;  and  though  your  ardour  in  worldly  achieve- 
ment should  be  little  varied,  yet  all  your  efforts  will 


20  PRELIMINARY   ESSAY 

assume  to  their  view  a  new  direction,  and  put  on  a  ne"»r 
aspect. 

A  third  influence  which  your  chiklren  are  to  meet,  that 
needs  a  guardian  power,  is  tliat  which  proceeds  from 
other  men,  and  other  families  —  from  the  nameless  at- 
tractions and  seductions,  that  go  forth  each  day  from 
the  Avorld.  Of  this  you  can  know  nothing  definite. 
Your  family  go  forth  to  encounter  you  know  not  what. 
You  know  not  what  new  and  untried  scenes  of  tempta- 
tion they  shall  meet  before  the  shades  of  evening  descend 
around  them.  You  know  not  what  new  baits  and  allure- 
ments the  world  shall  present,  when  they  are  away  from 
the  watchful  parental  eye.  You  know  not  how  attrac- 
tive some  form  of  evil  shall  appear  to  them — how  it  shall 
appeal  to  youthful  passion  or  dance  in  delightful  vision 
before  the  mind  just  awake  to  the  sentiments  of  pleasure, 
vanity  or  ambition.  Long  since  you  passed  through  such 
scenes,  and  you  know  their  power.  You  felt  their  dan- 
ger, and  you  would  guard  your  children  from  the  seduc- 
tive influence.  To  you  of  riper  years,  and  wisdom,  there 
may  be  no  danger.  To  them  all  is  fresh,  attractive, 
lovely,  like  the  first  light  of  a  morning,  without  mists  or 
pestilential  vapours.  They  know  not  the  dangers ;  and 
are  sIoav  to  learn.  Still  further,  you  little  know  what 
companions  they  may  meet  with,  before  the  evening. 
The  spendthrift,  the  profligate,  the  infidel  —  the  young 
man,  j)rofane,  fli]»pant,  confident,  polished  yet  dissolute  ; 
or  the  aged  man  skilled  in  the  cunning  of  unbelief,  and 
knowing  each  avenue  to  the  youthful  heart,  may  meet 
liim,  and  in  a  moment  undo  the  slow  work  of  j)arental 
instruction  of  many  years. 

Kow  I  submit  it  to  you,  whether  there  can  be  any  so 
effectual  safeguard  against  tliis,  as  family  devotion  '(  1  do 
not  aflirm  that  it  will  be  infallible.  But  I  ask  whether 
any  influence  can  be  formed  so  likely  to  shield  from  these 
dangers,  as  the  solemnity  of  an  invocation  of  the  pre- 
sence and  blessing  of  God,  and  the  expectation  of  a  simi- 
lar solemn  presentation  in  the  evening.  It  is  a  kind  of 
familiarizing  the  mind  in  early  life,  to  the  judy nient  seat 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  21 

of  God.  It  is  a  species  of  arraignment  there  each  day 
to  suffer  ITis  all-seeing  eye  to  rest  on  each  thought  and 
deed.  That  God  hears  prayer :  and  that  God  is  every 
where.  To  him,  it  is  as  easy  to  guard  your  child  when 
away  from  your  roof,  as  when  the  eye  of  the  earthly 
father  is  upon  him.  That  God  will  see  each  temptation  ; 
mark  each  alluring  influence  ;  go  before  each  child  in  the 
hour  of  danger ;  and  resti-ain  the  power  of  the  tempter. 
He  can  impress  parental  precept  on  the  soul ;  and  when 
the  theatre,  or  the  tavern,  or  the  gambling  place  allures, 
the  power  of  God  unseen,  can  freshen  in  his  memory  the 
precepts  of  a  father,  and  recall  the  expressed  wishes  and 
the  pleadings  of  a  mother.  All  the  influences  in  tliis 
world  are  under  his  control ;  nor  can  there  be  any  way 
so  effectual  of  meeting  them  as  to  secure  the  favour  of 
that  God  who  can  give  them  a  direction  to  virtue  and  to 
heaven.  Greatly  do  I  wonder,  that  in  a  world  of  temp- 
tations like  this,  and  at  a  period  of  life  so  exposed  as 
that  of  childhood  and  youth,  any  parent  dcD'e  sufi"er  his 
children  to  go  forth  into  the  allurements  of  a  city,  or  a 
wicked  world,  without  having  once  asked  the  Father  of 
mercies  to  take  them  beneath  his  protecting  care,  and  to 
defend  them  from  the  ills  that  may  bring  ruin  into  their 
souls;  and  wo,  deep  and  inconsolable,  into  your  own 
bosom.  And  much  do  I  marvel,  that  any  parent  can  send 
them  forth  upon  the  ocean  of  life — amid  the  billows  that 
break  around  the  frail  bark,  and  never  seek  for  them  the 
protection  of  that  God  who  rides  upon  that  ocean.  And 
I  wonder  much  that  you  can  fail  to  implore  the  help  of 
Him,  who  when  your  eye  shall  sleep  in  death,  and  the 
child  shall  walk  over  your  unconscious  grave,  can  stretch 
forth  a  hand  more  mighty  than  yours,  and  speak  with  a 
voice  more  tender  than  yours,  to  save  him  from  the 
ways  of  ruin  and  despair.  And  much  do  I  wonder  also, 
that  there  is  rest  to  your  pillow,  when  you  have  offered 
no  sacrifice  of  praise  to  God  for  preserving  mercy,  and 
Bought  no  protection  from  Him  whose  eye  never  slumbers 
nor  sleeps. 

III.  I  remark,  thirdly,  that  the  direct  influence  of  do- 


22  PRELIMINARY  E^St5AT 

votion  in  obtaining  the  ends  of  the  family  organization, 
njay  be,  and  should  be  incalculably  great.  1  mean  the 
influence  in  all  those  great  interests  -which  you  are  en- 
deavouring to  secure.  One  of  these  is  family  govern- 
ment—  a  thing,  ^vhich  to  be  efficient,  must  be  mild, 
steady,  consistent,  firm.  There  arc  two  -ways  of  govern- 
ing a  family.  One  is  with  the  rod  of  a  tyrant,  and  the 
rage  of  the  furies ;  by  cold,  unfeeling  statute,  and  never- 
ending  reproof;  by  passion,  and  fire,  and  -vvrath.  The 
other  is  by  love,  and  tenderness,  and  discipline,  admi- 
nistered with  calmness,  and  yet  with  a  faithful  hand — by 
callin2  into  exercise  all  that  is  tender  in  the  social  afi'ec- 
tions — all  the  budding  and  blossoming  ingenuousness  of 
the  child — by  the  aid  of  conscience  and  of  reason — and 
by  severity  only  when  other  means  fail ;  and  then  sufter- 
ing  the  feelings  of  t\\Q  father  to  be  seen,  at  the  same  time 
that  the  firmness  of  the  ruler  shows  itself  to  the  child. 
The  one  is  modelled  on  the  plan  which  tyrants  choose ; 
the  other  is  the  plan  of  God.  The  one  shuts  God  out  of 
view;  the  other  is  like  him,  and  borrows  its  features 
from  the  Divinity.  And  this  one  truth  is  established, 
and  will  yet  be  better  known — that  the  model  of  a  pro- 
per domestic  administration  is  God  in  his  moral  govern- 
ment— and  is  a  bringing  down  the  great  principles  on 
which  lie  acts,  to  bear  on  the  smaller  community  over 
which  presides  an  earthly  father.  Now  I  think  I  am 
warranted  in  affirming,  that  no  ftither  will  be  likely 
to  embody  these  principles  and  express  them,  without 
prayer.  They  are  not  to  be  possessed  without  it.  Xo  man 
can  understand  the  principles,  on  which  God  governs 
men,  without  that  familiarity  with  him,  which  results 
from  prayer.  Ko  man  can  keep  this  great  j)lan  before 
biui,  without  that  close  and  ])ressing  converse  and  con- 
tact with  God,  which  exists  in  solemn  devotion.  And 
on  a  father's  own  spirit,  there  will  be  no  so  happy  re- 
straint as  that  imposed  by  family  intercession.  Anger 
and  passion,  ill  become  the  bosom  of  the  man  who  has 
just  been  engaged  in  a  solemn  ])resentation  of  his  family 
to  the  God  of  love.     And  wralli,  and  anger,  llee  away, 


ON  FAMILY  PEAYER.  23 

when  we  kno"W  tliat  soon  we  are  to  bend  together  before 
a  common  altar. 

Besides,  there  is  no  way  so  direct,  of  giving  authority 
and  sanction  to  your  commands,  as  by  family  devotion. 
Whatever  will  increase  the  venerableness  of  the  paternal 
character,  will,  of  course,  impress  his  laws  with  addi- 
tional sanctions,  and  power.  Now,  it  is  clear  to  mj 
mind,  that  there  can  be  no  way  of  doing  this  so  effective, 
as  by  connecting  the  image  of  a  father  in  the  mind  of  a 
child,  with  the  sacredness  of  religion.  Let  him  be  re- 
garded by  them  as  the  venerable  priest  of  the  family,  to 
bow  before  the  altar,  and  speak  their  wants  into  the  ears 
of  God — the  converser  with  the  Deity — the  invoker  of 
heaven's  blessings  on  the  community — the  venerable 
organ  through  whom  the  sought  blessings  of  heaven  will 
descend  on  them,  and  a  sanction  is  given  to  his  laws  and 
opinions,  which  you  will  gain  in  no  other  mode.  It  is 
not  easy  to  treat  the  man  with  disrespect,  who  is  known 
often  to  approach  the  throne  of  grace ; — sacred  by  such 
an  approach — and  who  is  known  to  approach  that  throne 
only  to  obtain  heaven's  blessings  on  us.  At  all  times, 
the  ministers  of  religion  have  been  refrarded  with  re- 
spect,  and  there  is  no  way  so  effectual  of  securing  esteem 
in  your  family,  as  by  suffering  it  to  be  seen  daily,  that 
you  are  a  friend  of  God — a  converser  with  the  Deity — • 
and  that  you  are  invested  not  only  with  the  character  of 
a  father,  but  with  the  additional  venerableness  of  being 
the  priest  of  the  family,  and  presenting  their  wants  and 
feelings  to  the  King  of  kings. 

Thus,  too,  by  your  example,  you  shall  correct  and  ad- 
just their  views  of  the  world.  More  effectually  than  by 
any  lessons,  you  shall  teach  them  7/our  sense  of  the  value 
of  earthly  objects.  Time,  gold,  pleasure,  cannot  be  es- 
teemed to  be  all,  when  the  first  and  the  last  thoughts  of 
the  day  are  given  to  God.  Nor  can  your  children,  in 
advancing  years,  go  forth  so  easily  to  the  undivided  pur- 
suit of  gain  and  pleasure,  when  they  know  that  a  father 
and  a  mother,  at  the  altar,  have  expressed  their  views  of 
the  value  of  these  things.     It  will  check  the  wantonness 


24  PRELIMINARY    ESSAY 

of  worldly  pursuits ;  it  will  come  into  the  pleasures  of 
the  ball-room  and  the  theatre,  with  a  chilling  influence 
on  all  those  delights,  if  the  thought  then  crosses  the 
bosom  of  the  son  or  daughter  that  at  this  late  hour,  pa- 
rental feelings  are  expressed  at  the  family  altar,  and  a 
father  and  mother  bow  before  God,  to  implore  his  bless- 
ing on  thoughtless  sons  and  daughters.  "  I  should  be 
there,"  will  be  the  instinctive  language  of  the  heart ;  "  my 
place  is  not  amid  these  scenes  of  vanity,  when  a  parent 
Beeks  God;  and  these  scenes  can  afford  no  permanent 
joy,  against  whose  malignant  influence  a  parent  prays, 
and  to  guard  me  from  which  a  parent  now  implores  the 
protection  of  the  eye  and  arm  of  God."  Such  prayers 
are  often  heard.  And  even  while  it  is  fresh  breathing 
from  the  lips  of  pious  parentage,  the  serious  thought,  the 
painful  misgiving  of  the  child  in  the  place  of  pleasure, 
may  be  already  an  answer  to  prayer,  and  the  purpose 
may  even  then  be  forming  to  forsake  forever  such  scenes, 
and  seek  peace  and  joy  in  the  endearments  of  the  fire- 
side and  of  home.  Let  me  add,  too,  that  such  amuse- 
ments find  their  support,  with  few  —  few  exceptions, 
from  the  children  of  families  who  never  pray ;  and  this 
devotion  in  all  our  habitations,  would  at  once  close  our 
theatres,  and  no  small  part  of  the  haunts  of  vice  and 
ruin. 

You  will  pass,  also,  into  scenes  of  affliction.  You 
will  go  down  into  a  dark  valley,  and  turbid  waters  shall 
roll  at  your  feet,  and  a  sunless  sky  shall  be  over  your 
head.  A  son,  a  daughter,  may  die.  Calamity  may  strip 
away  your  property;  and  slander  may  asperse  your 
name;  and  the  waves  of  trouble  may  roll  high  and 
mighty  over  your  habitation.  Your  pillow  may  give 
you  no  rest;  and  the  deep  calamity  may  spread  weeping 
and  wo  through  all  your  house.  In  such  scenes  who  is 
he  that  is  to  bo  calm?  "Who  to  stand  like  Mount  Atlas, 
"when  storms  and  tempests  thunder  on  its  brow,  and 
oceans  break  their  billows  at  its  feet"  unmoved?  "Who 
to  allay  the  swelling  tide  of  grief,  and  be  a  counsellor 
ftnd  an   exiinple  there?    Who  to  wipe  away  the  tears 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  25 

from  the  weeping  eyes  of  children,  and  pour,  under 
God,  consolation  there?  Who  but  the  father  at  the 
family  altar — the  venerable  guide  and  friend  of  the  little 
community — he  whose  heart  may  bleed  like  others — for 
he  felt  the  stroke  more  keenly  than  all,  when  his  son  or 
daughter  died;  but  who  still  can  gather  the  weeping 
group  before  God,  and  calmly  say,  "  not  our  will  but 
thine,  0  God,  be  done?"  And  if  he  cannot  do  this;  if 
he  be  first  in  agony,  and  a  stranger  to  consolation,  sind 
shall  murmur  at  the  stroke,  and  refuse  to  be  comforled, 
who  knows  not  the  effect  on  the  family  ?  Grief  will 
deepen  and  prolong  its  reign,  and  sorrow  there  shall 
have  no  comforter.  Yet  how  shall  this  be  done  ?  Who 
does  not  see  that  the  habit  of  daily  seeking  God,  of  ac- 
knowledging hira  in  all  the  ways  of  the  family,  is  the 
only  mode  of  meeting  this  grief,  and  soothing  these  bit- 
ter pains  of  life  ?  Family  devotion  shall  change  the 
storm  to  peace,  and  open  a  pathway  through  all  these 
clouds ;  and  beyond  the  region  of  these  muttering  thun- 
ders, in  that  upper  sky,  the  splendours  of  an  eternal  day 
are  still  seen,  and  it  shall  be  felt  that  there  is  peace. 

I  add  here,  one  other  remark.  There  are  times  when 
your  children  think — deeply  think,  of  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion. They  inquire  what  they  must  do  to  be  saved. 
They  are  pressed  with  the  great  truths  of  eternity,  and 
they  desire  to  know  the  path  that  leads  to  immortality. 
Every  parent  knows  that  such  thoughts  are  right;  and 
that  their  ^;-s^  days  are  their  best  days,  to  attend  to  the 
concerns  of  the  soul.  And  few  are  the  parents  who 
would  not  express  a  desire  that  these  serious  thoughts 
should  ripen  into  the  settled  peace  and  purity  of  the 
Christian.  They  are  the  sweet  openings  of  the  buds  of 
spiing,  the  putting  forth  of  lovely  flowers,  and  may  bo 
nurtured  to  produce  a  rich  harvest  of  piety.  How  shall 
this  be  done  ?  what  will  be  the  most  effectual  deepener 
and  promoter  of  these  feelings  ?  It  is  clear  that  if  the 
object  of  the  parent  was  to  secure  the  ascendency  of 
these  feelings,  no  way  could  be  found  so  eflectual  aa 
daily  religion  in  the  family.  Let  the  child  8C«  that  hii 
2  C 


20  PRELI.MINARY  ESSAY 

feiiousness  has  the  countenance  of  a  father  and  mother 
—  that  it  falls  in  with  their  views,  and  accords  with  their 
most  deep  desires — that  to  cherish  these  feelings  would 
be  to  pour  balm  into  their  bosoms,  and  to  fill  their  lips 
•vsith  praise — that  there  is  an  altar  for  the  morning  and 
evening  sacrifice  to  deepen  them,  and  there  is  no  earthly 
influence  that  could  be  so  effectual  to  ripen  these  feelings 
into  tlie  love  of  (iod.  It  seems  to  be  a  power  expressly 
organized  to  accomplish  this  great  work  on  the  soul  of 
tlie  child.  And  on  the  other  hand,  let  there  be  no 
family  altar,  and  no  sacrifice  of  praise  in  the  habitation, 
and  it  is  easy  to  see  what  is  to  be  the  result  on  the  mind 
of  a  child  anxious  about  his  eternal  welfare.  True, 
he  feels,  and  deeply  feels.  He  prays,  he  trembles,  he 
weeps.  He  lifts  the  eye  to  heaven  in  a  state  of  deep 
anxiety,  and  waits  for  a  guide  to  conduct  him  to  the 
Saviour  of  men.  The  world  to  him  is  losing  its  charms. 
Temptation  is  shorn  of  its  poAver.  Fashion,  wealth,  and 
splendour,  are  dimmed  of  their  lustre,  and  the  spirit 
pants  for  immortality — for  brighter  peace, — more  pe- 
rennial joys  than  this  world  can  give.  What  is  demanded 
then  to  fill  the  Avhole  soul  with  peace  ?  "What  but  the 
family  altar — the  deep  seriousness  of  religion  there — 
the  pleading  father,  the  bending  circle,  seeking  for  com- 
mon salvation  ?  And  if  there  be  no  such  altar,  how  cold 
and  chill  all  that  influence  in  a  family!  If  the  world  bo 
all,  and  fashion  only  has  its  seat  there,  or  wealth  is  the 
grand  object,  or  a  mother's  lips  invite  to  the  theatre  or 
the  ball-room,  and  never  speak  of  prayer;  and  a  father's 
liand  guides  only  to  scenes  of  gain  or  ambition,  Avho  can 
fail  to  see  the  result?  IIow  soon  all  seriousness  shall 
disappear !  IIow  soon  the  Sj)irit  of  God  shall  be  grieved  ! 
IIow  soon  a  new  current  will  be  given  to  the  affections, 
and  the  Son  of  God  be  shut  from  the  view,  and  tiie 
Prince  of  darkness  establish  again  his  broken  and  en- 
feebled reign.  Stronger  fetters  shall  bind  the  captive  to 
the  chariot  of  the  dark  monarch  of  desj)air;  and  all  the 
influence  of  a  family  be  imparted  to  piolong  his  empire 
over  the  soul.     And  if  to  this  wo  add  what  mn^^  and 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  27 

Joes  often  exist,  in  a  family  without  prayer,  cold  and 
cutting  remarks  about  religion;  perversion  of  its  doc- 
trines and  duties;  derision  of  the  Avork  of  God  in  saving 
man;  apparent  respect,  but  real  sarcasm,  the  work  is 
done,  and  the  enemy  of  man  has  gained  his  object.  The 
most  sad  narrative,  perhaps,  that  could  be  penned  in  this 
world,  would  be  the  history  of  families  who  have  thus 
stifled  the  serious  thoughts  of  children,  and  driven  back 
by  neglect  or  derision,  the  Son  of  God  advancing  to 
take  possession  of  the  human  heart.  For  the  wealth  of 
the  Indies,  I  would  not  come  into  the  secret  of  such 
families ;  nor  hazard  the  loss  and  ruin  which  might 
accrue  to  my  children  in  days  of  seriousness,  by  the 
neglect  of  family  prayer.  There  are  times  when  the 
neglect  of  this  plain  and  obvious  duty,  may  seal  the 
character  of  a  child,  and  mark  his  course  forever  on- 
ward in  the  ways  of  sin  and  of  hell. 

IV.  My  fourth  argument  on  this  subject  will  be  de- 
rived from  the  fact,  that  without  family  prayer,  there 
will  he  no  religious  teaching  in  a  famili/  that  will  he  ef- 
fectual. This  proposition  I  maintain  by  the  following 
considerations.  1.  The  duty  of  family  worship  is  one 
of  the  most  obvious  that  strikes  a  child;  and  especially 
if  an  attempt  is  made  to  instruct  that  child  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  religion.  Other  duties  he  may  not  so  readily 
understand ;  but  this  is  one  which  is  plain  and  apparent. 
He  sees  it;  and  sees  it  clearly.  There  is  something  so 
unnatural  in  constantly  receiving  benefits  without  ac- 
knowledging them  ;  in  being  protected,  and  provided 
for,  from  day  to  day,  and  week  to  week,  and  year  to 
year,  without  any  recognition  of  the  kind  unseen  hand 
that  does  it,  that  the  mind  even  of  a  child  cannot  but  be 
struck  with  it.  If  lie  who  experiences  a  father's  and 
mother's  tenderness  from  year  to  year,  should  by  no  act 
express  his  sense  of  obligation,  he  would  be  conscious  of 
something  exceedingly  ungrateful,  and  unamiable  in  his 
character.  And  he  cannot  but  feel  that  something  of  the 
same  kind  must  attach  itself  to  his  father  and  mother. 
Especially  is  this  the  case,  if  you  attempt  to  teach  him  re« 


28  rRELIMINAUY    ESSAY 

ligion,  to  show  him  the  duty  of  thanksgiving  to  yours^lt. 
or  to  God  ;  and  to  set  hcfoie  him  the  evil  of  ingratitude. 
Vile,  and  mean,  and  odious,  lie  may  easily  he  made  to  see 
ingratitude  to  he.  His  natural  honesty,  and  ingenuous- 
ness, may  easily  he  excited  to  indignation  and  scorn  at 
the  hase  feelings  of  the  recipient  of  favours,  "who  repays 
them  with  thoughtlessness  and  unconcern.  But  are  you 
not,  in  doing  this,  teaching  him  to  frame  an  argument 
against  yourself?  'If  to  be  ungrateful  be  a  trait  of 
character  so  unlovely,  then  why  is  it  that  no  gratitude 
is  expressed  to  God,  amid  the  many  mercies  of  my 
father's  house  ?  How  are  his  teachings  about  the  evil 
of  ingratitude  in  me,  to  be  reconciled  with  entire  ami- 
ableness  in  Jiis  deportment  toward  God  ?  And  if  he  can 
live  from  year  to  year,  and  exercise  no  gratitude  to 
his  great  Benefactor,  then  why  is  mi/  character  to  be 
esteemed  so  unlovely  if  I  imitate  his  example,  and  re- 
ceive the  kindness  of  mi/  father  with  cold  reserve  ;  or  as 
entitled  to  few  expressions  of  thankfulness  ?'  And  is  not 
this  the  same  as  to  teach  ingratitude  on  a  large  scale, 
and  make  it  the  prominent  lesson  in  the  house,  that 
blessings  may  be  received  to  any  amount  from  a  bene- 
factor, and  yet  no  guilt  be  incurred  by  forgetting  the 
giver,  and  rioting  on  his  beneficence  without  one  grate- 
ful emotion  ? 

2.  Prayer  is  one  of  the  prime  duties  of  religion. 
There  can  be  no  religion  Avithout  it.  You  cannot  teach 
your  children  any  of  the  precepts  of  religion,  without 
making  this  one  of  them.  Perhaps  the  first  lesson 
which  you  vfill  of  necessity  teach,  will  be  that  it  is  their 
dutv  to  pray.  Yet  how  can  you  consistently  teach  this 
lesson  without  setting  them  the  example  ?  If  prayer  is 
of  so  much  moment,  then  why  should  not  he  Avho  incul- 
cates the  lesson,  exemplify  it  also  in  his  family  ?  And 
what  will  be  the  effect  of  this  teaching,  if  in  the  family 
he  observes  that  you  are  a  stranger  to  devotion  ?  Can 
it  be  possible  to  teach  the  precepts,  or  the  duties  of  re- 
ligion, unless  it  be  done  in  connexion  with  nuvking  thera 
prominent  and  constant,  in  the  arrangements  of  th« 


ON   FAMILY   PRAYER.  29 

household?  It  will  be  remembered  that  on  no  other 
subject  do  you  make  such  an  experhnent.  You  wish  to 
inculcate  the  lessons  pertainmg  to  business,  or  the  me- 
chanic arts.  You  wish  to  train  up  the  child  to  habits  of 
industry,  frugality,  and  order.  You  wish  to  inculcate 
on  him  the  lessons  of  economy,  or  the  value  of  polite  in- 
tercourse, or  of  accomplishment.  You  have  but  one 
way  of  doing  it.  It  is  by  example  —  by  making  these 
thing's  prominent  —  by  making  them  stand  forth  in  all 
vour  domestic  arrangements,  so  that  your  vieAvs  cannot 
hut  be  seen  and  apprehended.  By  making  i/our  concep- 
tion of  their  value  manifest  to  the  child,  you  hope  that 
he  Avill  be  brought  to  feel  as  you  feel,  and  be  trained  up 
so  as  to  be  an  ornament  to  your  name  and  family.  Re- 
liirion,  you  attempt  to  teach  on  a  different  principle — to 
acquaint  him  with  the  theory,  not  the  practice ;  to  ex- 
press with  the  lips  what  the  heart  feels  not ;  and  to  suf- 
fer the  language  to  teach  one  thing,  which  is  as  regular- 
ly denied  by  the  life.  Now  what  is  this  but  to  take 
religion  from  all  its  proper  connexions,  and  to  make  it  a 
cold,  distant,  unmeaning  thing  ?  If  I  wished  to  tell  a 
man  how  he  could  effectually  disgust  a  child  with  a  sub- 
ject, it  AYOuld  be  to  teach  it  as  he  does  nothing  else :  to 
take  it  out  of  all  the  ordinary  relations  of  human  things, 
and  proclaim  with  his  lips  what  is  known  never  to  be 
practised  in  his  life. 

3.  Your  example,  without  family  prayer,  will  neutra- 
lize all  the  instructions  of  religion.  If  religion  is  of  so 
much  importance  as  you  would  endeavour  to  persuade 
him,  then  the  child  will  ask,  at  once,  '  Why  does  not 
my  father  exemplify  it  ?  If  the  world  is  a  trifle,  and 
eternity  be  all,  as  he  tells  me,  then  Avhy  do  I  see  his  first 
and  last  thoughts  given  to  that  world?  Why  all  his 
time  engrossed  in  the  counting  room,  the  office,  or  the 
ways  of  pleasure  or  ambition  ?  AVhy  is  not  a  portion  of 
that  time  given  to  that  which  is  pronounced  to  be  of 
such  transcendent  value  ?  And  if  the  world  be  so  full  of 
temptations,  and  trials,  why  does  he  not  implore  for  me 
the  blessing  of  that  God,  who  I  am  told,  can  encompass 
C2 


30  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

me,  and  shield  me  from  danger?  Is  it  my  fathers  be- 
lief that  that  God  affords  protection  unasked,  and  that 
he  would  not  desire  to  he  invoked  to  grant  that  defence 
and  protection  which  circumstances  of  danger  and  trial 
demand?  And  can  that  he  of  so  much  moment  which  is 
Buffered  to  he  broken  in  upon  by  the  veriest  trifle,  and 
excluded  by  any  project  of  pleasure  or  gain?' 

4.  I  appeal  then  to  the  facts  in  the  case.  I  appeal  to 
those  parents  who  neglect  family  prayer,  whether,  in 
fact,  they  do  not  neglect  the  religious  training  of  their 
children,  as  a  matter  of  regular,  sober,  faithful  arrange- 
ment. Does  such  instruction  come  in,  in  any  way,  as  a 
part  of  the  family  organization  ?  Is  it  not  a  fact  that  you 
Bee  the  inconsistency  of  attempting  it  without  family 
prayer,  and  that  rather  than  do  the  one,  you  choose  also  to 
neglect  the  other  ?  And  if  so,  then  I  put  the  matter  on  this 
broad  ground,  and  urge  the  duty  of  family  worship,  by 
all  the  importance  of  the  religious  training.  If  it  be  so, 
that,  if  the  one  is  neglected,  the  other  will  be,  then  I  ap- 
peal to  you  by  all  the  solemnity  of  their  eternal  interests 
— by  a  reference  to  their  religious  character  in  this  life, 
and  their  eternal  doom  in  the  life  to  come,  and  ask  you 
whether  you  dare  to  do  a  thing  which,  in  its  results,  is 
to  shut  religion  from  your  family,  and  preclude  all 
parental  religious  training  in  your  household?  That 
parent  who  can  coolly  take  a  step  like  that,  is  advancing 
to  meet  an  account  which  I  humbly  pray  to  God  I  may 
never  be  called  to  render  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

And  this  sad  neglect  has  given  rise  to  an  abuse  of  ono 
of  the  noblest  institutions  of  this  age — I  mean  the  Sun- 
day School.  The  parent  who  is  unwilling  to  teach  his 
children  for  himself,  or  to  pray  Avith  them  at  home,  finds 
a  salvo  to  his  conscience  by  devolving  the  task  on  others. 
Neglecting  his  own  duty,  he  attempts  to  put  tie  onerous 
burden  on  others;  and  to  find  peace  in  the  conviction 
that  they  will  do  that  whicli  he  is  conscious  he  is  neglect- 
ing.— In  regard  to  this,  I  make  two  remarks.  One  is, 
that  the  Sunday  School  teacher  is  not,  and  will  not  be, 
and  cannot  be,  responsible  for  your  neglect  of  duty.    A 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  31 

burden— -if  to  teach  and  pray  for  your  own  children  he 
a  burden,  has  been  hxid  on  you  by  a  higher  authority 
tlian  any  human  power;  and  there  is  no  device,  by 
which  you  can  free  yourself  from  the  obligation.  GoA 
most  High,  has  clothed  you  with  responsibility,  that  of 
training  up  your  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord ; — that  of  exerting  the  influence  of  a  parent 
to  prepare  them  for  usefulness,  and  for  heaven.  And 
that  is  no  enviable  feeling  which  attempts  to  flee  from 
the  responsibility,  and  devolve  its  duties  on  others.  Be- 
sides, the  Sunday  School  teacher  has  a  responsibility  of 
hi;5  own,  quite  enough  for  any  human  being  to  endure. 
After  you  have  done  your  duty,  still  Ids  work  is  as  ar- 
duous as  any  mortal  would  willingly  undertake.  It  is 
unkindness  to  your  children,  and  to  such  a  teacher,  to 
ask  him  to  bear  your  responsibilities.  It  cannot  be 
done.  He  will  not  stand  at  the  judgment  bar  in  your 
place ;  nor  will  he  meet  there  the  doom  which  awaits 
parental  neglect  in  the  family.  The  other  remark  is 
this.  It  is,  that  one  of  the  prominent  effects  of  the  in- 
structions in  the  Sunday  School,  is  to  teach  the  duty  of 
family  devotion.  That  is  a  lesson  soon  learned.  And 
your  children  return  to  you  from  those  nurseries  of 
piety,  often  deeply  feeling,  and  greatly  grieved,  that 
their  father's  house  is  a  place  Avhere  no  God  is  acknow- 
ledged, and  where  mercies  are  ever  descending  without 
any  returns  of  praise.  Each  Sabbath  shall  deepen  this 
lesson.  And  you  are  not  to  wonder  if  the  lips  of  chil- 
dren should  sometimes  tenderly  ask  you  why  so  plain  a 
duty  is  neglected ;  or  if  they  throw  their  arms  around 
your  necks,  and  intreat  you  to  acknowledge  the  God  of 
all  your  mercies  in  your  habitation.  I  regard  the  Sun- 
day School  as  one  of  the  means  prompting  to  family 
pr.iyer,  and  not  the  least  of  its  blessings  do  I  esteem  it 
to  oe,  that  it  throws  an  influence  back  upon  your  fami- 
lies, and  makes  your  children  pleaders  for  God,  and 
pi  )mpters  to  duty,  in  the  business  of  family  religion. 

But  while  the  duty  of  family  prayer   appears   thus 
m  inifest  and  clear,  while  every  parent  would  probably 


32  PRELIMINARY   ESSAY 

admit  tliat  lie  can  see  the  propriety  of  the  duty,  and  that 
most  important  benefits  Avould  result  from  its  oliserv- 
ance,  yet  it  has  so  happened  that  there  is  not  prol)a])!_y 
any  single  duty  against  Avhich  so  many  objections  are 
urged  as  this.  To  what  this  fact  is  owing,  it  is  not  now 
ncci.'.-^sary  to  inquire.  It  may  be  remarked,  however, 
that  the  fact  of  the  existence  of  so  many  objections,  is 
no  small  confirmation  of  the  strength  of  the  arguments 
in  favour  of  family  prayer.  Men  do  not  commonly  in- 
vent and  urge  objections  where  a  duty  is  not  strongly 
and  plausibly  pressed.  The  amount  of  objection  will 
be  in  proportion  to  the  strength  and  frequency  with 
which  the  argument  is  urged.  When  that  occurs  daily, 
as  in  the  case  of  family  devotion,  where  the  duty  is  pal- 
pable and  obvious,  and  yet  from  any  cause  there  is  an 
unwillingness  to  engage  in  it,  then  it  is  necessary  that 
there  should  be  some  excuse  always  at  hand,  and  suffi- 
ciently plausible  to  turn  aside,  at  least  for  the  present, 
the  force  of  the  argument.  It  is  of  importance  to  notice 
these  objections. 

The  first  and  most  plausible  is,  that  the  duty  of  family 
prayer  is  not  expressly  enjoined  in  the  Scriptures.  This 
I  admit — and  having  frankly  made  the  admission,  let  us 
advance  to  ascertain,  if  possible,  the  precise  shape  which 
this  subject  assumes  in  the  sacred  volume.  This  Avill  be 
seen  by  the  following  observations: — 1.  One  design  of 
law,  and  especially  of  laws  pertaining  to  morals,  is  to 
give  general  statutes,  or  injunctions,  applicable  to  all  the 
cases  M'hich  may  occur.  It  is  not  to  specify  each  case, 
in  which  business  there  could  be  no  end — but  to  advance 
geiieial  ])rincii)lcs  that  can  be  readily  understood,  and 
ai)i)lical)le  to  all  the  cases  whicli  may  occur.  That  you 
should  relieve  your  neighbour  when  he  is  sick,  or  defend 
his  child  when  in  danger,  is  not  expressly  commanded ; 
but  the  golden  rule  of  the  Saviour  will  meet  any  number 
of  cases  of  that  kind  which  may  happen.  To  legislate 
about  eadi  particular  case  would  be  endless.  The  gene- 
ral rule  to  do  to  others  as  you  Avould  wish  them  tc  do  to 
you,  is  easy  and  easily  applied  to  all  the  instances  which 


ON    FAMILY   PRAYER.  33 

may  exist.  2.  It  is  not  the  manner  of  the  Scriptures  to 
command  a  thing  which  was  ah'eady  in  existence,  and 
which  it  was  supposed  would  be  performed  if  there  were 
right  feeling.  Thus,  that  men  should  love  their  chil- 
dren, and  provide  for  them,  was  assumed  without  ex- 
press statute,  because  the  very  organization  of  the  family 
relation  supposed  it,  and  it  was  secured  by  a  more  an 
cient  law  than  by  any  express  statute.  3.  The  whol 
subject  of  prayer  was  left  substantially  in  this  manner. 
There  is  no  injunction  to  prayer  at  all  in  the  Scriptures, 
until  the  world  was  three  thousand  years  old,  nor  until 
eight  hundred  years  after  the  calling  of  Abraham.* 
Ps.  cxxii.  6 ;  Jer.  xxix.  7.  Yet  during  this  time,  the 
subject  of  prayer  is  not  unfrequently  mentioned ;  and 
the  fact  is  recorded  that  men  did  call  on  God.  Gen. 
xxiv.  63  ;  Job  xv.  4  ;  xvi.  17,  15  ;  xxiii.  26.  4.  There 
is  not  in  the  Scriptures  any  injunction  to  any  particular 
kind  of  prayer.  Thus  when  secret  prayer  is  mentioned, 
it  is  not  as  a  command,  but  as  a  thing  which  was  prac- 
tised, and  which  it  was  assumed  would  he  practised. 
All  that  was  needed  in  the  case,  was  to  regulate  the  man- 
ner of  its  performance.  Matt.  vi.  5,  6.  The  same  is  true 
of  public  worship.  The  general  command  to  j^'^^^y  is 
given ;  the  fact  is  recorded  that  the  church  did  pray ; 
and  regulations  are  suggested  about  the  proper  way  of 
performing  it.  Is  it  not  to  be  presumed,  that  the  subject 
of  family  prayer  would  be  left  in  the  same  manner  ?  5. 
There  are  injunctions  respecting  prayer,  which  imply 
the  duty  of  family  prayer  as  well  as  any  other.  Thus 
the  command,  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always  (Gr.  in 
every  time  —  or  at  all  times)  with  all  prayer  —  that  is, 
with  all  kinds  of  prayer,  or  offering  it  on  all  proper  oc- 
casions. 1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  that  men  pray  every 
where.  Phil.  iv.  6.  In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  sup- 
plication, with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  before  God.  1  Pet.  iv.  7.  Be  ye  therefore  sober 
and  ivatch  unto  prayer.   Now  if  a  question  should  arise 

*  Dr.  D  wight. 
2* 


34  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

what  kind  of  prayer  was  contemplated  in  these  places, 
on  the  principle  of  the  ohjector  it  would  he  impossihle 
to  determine ;  or  rather  the  tendency  of  his  objection  is 
to  nullify  the  whole  precept.  He  objects  that  the  com- 
mands do  not  imply  the  duty  of  family  prayer.  They 
do  not  distinctly  specify  it,  and  therefore  it  is  not  a  part 
of  the  injunction.  For  the  same  reason  /  may  object 
that  secret  prayer  is  not  commanded  here,  and  as  it  is 
not  specified,  it  cannot  be  intended.  A  third  person, 
with  the  same  reason  and  propriety,  shall  remark  that 
social  and  public  prayer  are  not  commanded,  and  he 
feels  released  from  that.  What  is  this  but  to  trifle  with 
the  Scriptures,  and  to  make  them  unmeaning?  If  the 
command  to  pray  with  all  prayer  does  not  \m\Ay  family 
prayer,  it  implies  nothing  and  means  nothing.  6.  The 
duty  of  family  worship — and  I  may  assume  that  there 
will  be  no  worship  without  prayer — is  often  mentioned 
with  approbation,  and  so  mentioned  as  to  show  that  it  is 
acceptable  to  God.  Thus  of  Abraham.  I  know  that  he 
will  command  his  children,  and  his  household  after  him, 
that  they  shall  keep  the  Avay  of  the  Lord,  to  do  justice 
and  judgment.  Gen.  xviii.  19.  Thus  said  Joshua.  As 
for  me,  and  my  house,  we  Avill  serve  the  Lord.  Josh, 
xxiv.  15.  Thus  Job  oftered  daily  Avorship  in  his  house — 
by  offering  daily  sacrifices  to  obtain  the  blessing  of  God, 
and  to  turn  away  the  divine  indignation  from  his  sons. 
Job  i.  4.  And  thus  also  our  Saviour  with  his  apostles, 
and  the  apostles  after  his  ascension,  offered  united  prayer ; 
expressed  their  common  wants,  and  commended  them- 
selves to  the  common  paternal  guidance  of  God.  That 
beautiful  model  of  all  proper  supplication — the  Lord's 
prayer — implies  in  its  very  structure  that  it  is  to  be 
used  daily,  and  in  some  community  like  a  family.  It  is 
to  be  a  daily  supjdication — "give  us  thin  day  our  daily 
bread."  It  is  to  be  used  not  by  an  individual,  but  by 
a  community.  "  Ouii  Father,"  not  my  Father — Avhich 
urt  in  he.tven.  "Give  us  this  day" — "forgive  us  our 
trespasses" — "lead  US  not  into  temptation" — "deliver 
US  from  evil."  Yet  there  is  no  community  that  can  use 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  35 

tilis  but  a  family ;  none  that  are  together  each  clay,  and 
none  where  the  prayer  woiild  be  so  directly  adapted  to 
the  wants  of  the  petitioners,  as  in  a  household  depend- 
ent on  God,  bowing  down  before  him  in  the  morning  to 
ask  the  supply  of  their  returning  wants,  and  to  implore 
protection  and  defence  in  the  various  trials  to  which  the 
household  would  be  exposed.  "  What  a  live  coal,"  says 
Dr.  Hunter,  "  is  applied  to  devotion,  when  the  solitary 
my  Father  and  my  God,  is  changed  into  the  social  our 
Father,  and  our  God!"  7.  God  has  expressly  declared 
his  abhorrence  of  the  neglect  of  family  devotion.  It  is 
given  as  a  characteristic  of  those  who  know  not  God, 
that  they  call  not  on  his  name,  and  as  classifying  them 
with  the  heathen  world.  Jer.  x.  25.  "  Pour  out  thy 
fury  upon  the  heathen  that  knoAV  thee  not,  and  upon  the 
families  that  call  7iot  on  thy  name.''  8.  I  would  only  add 
here,  that  to  a  parent  it  would  seem  that  there  was  no 
duty  that  less  required  an  authoritative  injunctioL  from 
heaven.  I  would  not  sit  down  here  to  an  inquiry  iixio 
the  nature  of  abstract  statute  and  law.  I  would  not  look 
for  iron  enactments,  and  Gothic  and  terrific  mandates 
here.  A  parent's  love  for  his  children,  prompts  him  to 
do  all  that  is  possible  for  their  welfare.  For  them  he 
toils,  he  denies  himself,  he  watches  around  their  beds  of 
pain.  What  is  there  Avhich  a  mother  or  a  father  will 
not  sacrifice  for  the  welfare  of  their  children?  How 
freely  do  health,  and  property,  and  rest,  go  to  promote 
their  peace,  and  train  them  for  usefulness  and  felicity ! 
And  who,  when  a  child  is  sick,  asks  for  an  iron  statute, 
to  learn  whether  he  shall  send  for  a  physician?  Who, 
when  the  storm  howls,  or  the  flames  rage,  looks  for  in- 
ex'^rable  law  to  know  whether  he  shall  stretch  out  his 
arms  to  aid?  Why  is  it  not  so,  we  ask,  in  regard  to  all 
the  great  helps  and  blessings  that  may  establish  their 
virtue  and  promote  their  welfare  here,  or  prepare  them 
for  glory  hereafter?  You,  and  your  children,  rise  from 
beds  of  repose,  protected  by  the  hand  of  God.  The 
blessings  of  his  providence  croAvn  your  board,  and  fill 
your  houses  with  rejoicing.     Protected   by  an  unseen 


56  PRELIMINARY   ESSAY 

arm,  raised  by  unseen  power,  and  blessed  by  an  invisible 
hand,  "vvhat  inexorable  law  is  demanded  to  induce  you, 
with  them,  to  express  thanksgiving  to  your  great  Bene- 
factor ?  You  go  forth  to  the  duties  of  the  day.  You 
know  not  its  temptations,  its  toils,  its  dangers.  No  eye 
can  see  what  unexpected  occurrence  may  meet  you — ■ 
what  dangers  may  assail  —  what  temptations  may  lie  in 
your  path.  Who  can  crown  your  goings  with  blessings 
but  God  ?  Who  can  watch  over  them  but  his  unseen  and 
never  slumbering  eye  ?  And  do  we  look  for  statutes  to 
hind  us  to  seek  his  blessing  and  ask  his  protecting  care  ? 
The  shades  of  evening  come  around  you.  Again  pro- 
tected, defended,  shielded,  you  come  into  the  family  cir- 
cle. Peace  is  there,  and  health,  and  cheerfulness,  and 
plenty.  Do  I  need  2i  formal  law  when  I  go  into  such  an 
abode,  and  say,  here  the  goodness  of  God  should  be  ac- 
knowledged ;  here  it  is  appropriate  that  heaven's  Eter- 
nal King  should  listen  to  the  voice  of  praise,  and  the 
watchfulness  of  that  eye  that  never  slumbers  nor  sleeps, 
should  be  invoked ?  Your  children  go  into  —  what?  a 
world  of  peace,  and  friendship,  of  virtue,  and  of  joy  ?  0 
no.  They  tread  a  vale  of  sorrow.  You  have  given  them 
existence  in  a  dwelling  of  temptation  and  of  danger. 
Toes,  deadly,  and  malignant,  are  in  their  path.  The 
most  fragrant  bower  may  be  the  residence  of  the  ser- 
pent, beguiling  to  destroy.  The  most  lovely  glade,  the 
fairest  patli,  and  most  charming  stream,  may  be  the 
residence  of  foes  that  shall  attack  their  peace,  or  endan- 
ger their  souls.  They  Avill  be  in  peril  —  they  Avill  be 
allured,  beguiled.  Other  lips  than  yours  will  attempt 
to  influence  them ;  and  the  guilty  and  the  voluptuous 
may  seek  to  make  them  their  prey.  They  will  weep. 
They  will  feel — yes,  deeply  feel,  that  they  are  in  a  cold, 
unfriendly,  guilty  world.  They  will  be  laid  on  beds  of 
pain;  will  pant,  will  struggle,  will  expire.  But  one  eye 
can  mark  their  dangers  or  their  pains,  when  you  are 
dead.  Far  away  from  them  in  the  cold  grave,  your  eye 
will  have  lost  its  power  to  pity,  and  your  hands  their 
Btrength  to  relieve.     Say,  parent  —  father,  mother,  do 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  37 

♦v^  need  the  formality  of  law,  the  sternness  of  command^ 
to  tell  us  we  must  seek  the  blessing  of  God  on  our  fa- 
mily ?  Is  it  not  the  instinctive  feeling  of  every  father, 
"  3fay  I  bend  before  the  God  of  heaven ;  and  ivill  his 
ear  be  open :  and  can  I  have  the  assurance  that  he  is 
ready  and  willing  to  defend  my  children?"  Cast  the 
eye  onward.  What  shall  be  the  doom  of  your  children 
beyond  the  grave  ?  Whither  shall  they  wander  in  that 
undiscovered  world  ?  Shall  they  repose  forever  in  the 
arms  of  heaven's  King,  or  shall  they  be  vagrants  and 
outcasts,  excluded  from  the  place  of  mercy  and  of  peace, 
and  driven  away  with  the  polluted  and  the  lost  forever ! 
On  whom  is  dependent  their  eternal  doom?  On  that 
Being  who  is  to  be  invoked  by  prayer.  Who  alone  can 
save  them  from  being  cast  down  into  hell  ?  None  but  that 
Almighty  God,  whose  blessing  you  never  ask  for  your 
children,  whose  protecting  care  you  never  seek. 

Now  I  would  only  ask  of  any  parent,  to  look  at  his 
children  with  a  parent's  feeling,  and  remember  they  go 
to  a  world  of  dangers,  and  woes  ;  to  inevitable  scenes  of 
sorrow  and  of  death ;  to  an  illimitable  eternity ;  and  to 
remember  that  none  but  the  arm  of  Jehovah  can  shield 
them ;  and  then  to  contemplate  his  household  as  practi- 
cally heathen,  where  no  God  is  adored ;  no  voice  of 
prayer  is  heard ;  no  song  of  praise  is  offered ;  no  hands 
are  stretched  out  to  the  heavens  to  save  your  beloved 
sons  nnd  daughters !  We  are  here  tempted  to  ask,  can 
there  be  such  scenes  ?  Certainly  we  do  ask,  can  there 
be  such  a  scene  among  the  friends  of  God,  and  among 
parents,  feeling  that  they  are  professedly  devoted  to  the 
service  of  the  Most  High  ?  If  I  speak  to  such  an  one,  I 
address  you  as  a  Christian  father,  as  a  dying  man,  and 
beseech  you  that  this  night  the  God  of  heaven  may  be 
invoked  in  your  abode,  and  that  your  dwelling  become 
consecrated  as  the  dwelling-place  of  the  Most  High. 

2.  A  second  objection  is  want  of  time.     This  objection 

scarce  deserves  a  serious  answer ;  and  yet  it  is  one  of 

the  most  frequent  that  is  made.     I  reply  to  it — 1.  That 

the  objection  is  one  whii>li  may  be  turned  to  account,  and 

D 


38  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

(lo  good,  if  you  ever  establisli  family  worship.  The  great 
fault  of  devotion  in  families  is,  that  it  is  too  tedious,  mo- 
notonous, and  long — that  it  becomes  wearisome  and  dis- 
gusting. It  wall  be  well  if  you  can  enter  on  it  with  all 
the  advantage  of  the  objection  so  often  urged,  and  with 
the  hope  that  you  will  feel  the  propriety  of  being  short. 
2.  I  reply,  make  your  devotions  in  the  family  as  short 
as  you  please.  I  am  not  pleading  for  long  services.  I 
am  pleading  for  the  thing  itself.  And  assuredly  it  would 
not  greatly  impede  the  more  important  business  of  mak- 
ing money,  or  enjoying  the  world,  to  give  five  minutes 
or  three  minutes  to  God.  3.  Is  this  objection  ever  urged 
by  those  who  are  conscientious  about  this  thing,  and  who 
feel  that  time  Avas  given  them  for  some  valuable  purpose  ? 
Is  it  urged  by  those  who  have  actually  engaged  with  in- 
terest in  this  duty,  and  who  love  it  ?  From  them  should 
come  the  objection,  if  from  any  quarter ;  and  it  is  not 
fair  for  an  objector  to  pj'esiune  that  he,  of  all  men,  is 
conscientious  about  his  time ;  and  that  those  who  offer 
prayer  in  their  families  are  the  idle,  and  the  prodigal. 
An  investigation  on  this  subject  might  show  that  all  con- 
science is  not  on  the  side  of  the  objector,  and  that  the 
acknowledgment  of  God  interferes  with  no  man's  wel- 
fare; and  that  there  7nag  be  a  conscientious  appropria- 
tion of  time,  even  among  those  who  regard  family  devo- 
tion as  a  pleasure  and  a  duty.  To  such  objectors  I 
respectfully  submit  whether  no  time  is  spent  in  unne- 
cessary sleep;  whether  the  toilet  claims  no  time  that 
God  might  claim;  and  whether  no  time  is  spent  in  un- 
profitable reading  or  remark,  on  which  God  might  have 
a  claim  on  the  head  of  the  family.  I  feel  that  I  am  h  t- 
ting  doivn  this  subject  by  noticing  this  objection.  It 
requires  some  self-denial  to  meet  the  reasonings  of  men, 
who  suppose  that  God  is  an  aggressor,  and  an  usurper ; 
that  the  Eternal  King  is  violating  all  the  laws  of  pro- 
perty, and  is  rudely  intruding,  when  he  claims  a  juris- 
diction over  your  hours,  or  moments ;  and  that  for  God, 
your  Creator,  to  demand  even  a  few  moments  of  human 
life,  is  to  come  in  as  an  unbidden  and  unwelcome  guest 


ON   FAMILY    PRAYER.  39 

into  your  family;  and  is  such  an  act  of  trespass  on  a 
man's  castle,  as  to  demand  the  deliberate  purpose  of  a 
father  to  exclude  him  each  day  from  the  domain.   I  add 
in  the  language  of  Barrow,  "  Do  we  take  devotion  itself 
to  be  no  business,  or  a  business  of  no  consideration  ?  Do 
we  conceit,  when  we  pay  God  his  debts,  or  discharge 
our  duty  toward  him,  when  we  crave  his  mercy,  when 
we  solicit  the  main  concernments  of  our  souls,  that  we 
are  idle,  or  misemployed?  that  we  lavish  our  time,  and 
lose   our  pains?    What  other  affairs   can  we  have   of 
greater  moment,  or  necessity,  than  this  ?     Can  there  be 
any  interest  more  close,  and  weighty,  than  this,  of  pro- 
moting for  our  own  souls  eternal  health  and  happiness  ? 
Is  not  this  indeed  the  great  work — the  only  necessary 
matter — in   comparison  with  which,  all    other    occupa- 
tions are  trifling?     What  are  the  great  businesses  of 
this  world?     What  but  scraping  for  pelf,  compassing 
designs  of  ambition,  courting  the  respect  and  favour  of 
men,  gratifying  sinful  curiosity,  and    carnal    humour? 
Shall  these  images,  these  shadows  of  business,  suppress 
or  crowd  out  devotion? — that  which  procureth  wealth 
inestimable,  pleasure  infinitely  satisfactory,  and  honour 
incomparably  noble :  above  all  that  this  earth  can  aiford  ? 
Is  it  not,  beside,  no   such  indispensable  business,  but 
rather  some  base  dotage  on  lucre,  some  inveigling  bait 
of  pleasure,  that  crosseth  our  devotion  ?    Is  it  not  often 
a  complimental  visit,  an  appointment  to  tattle,  a  wild 
ramble  in  vice  or  folly,  that  so  deeply  urgeth  us  to  put 
off  our  duty?    Nay,  is  it  not  commonly  sloth,  rather 
than  activity,  an  averseness  from  this,  rather  than  incli- 
nation to  any  other  employment,  which  diverts  us  from 
our  prayers  ?     Is  it  not  the  true  reason  why  we  pray  so 
seldom,  not  because  we  are  very  busy,  hut  because  ice 
are  extremely  idle :  so  idle,  that  Ave  cannot  willingly  take 
the  pains  to  withdraw  our  affections  from  sensible  things, 
to  reduce  our  wandering  thoughts,  to  compose  our  hearts 
to  right  frames,  to  bend  our  untoward  inclinations  to  a 
compliance  with  our  duty?    Do  we  not  betake  ourselves 
to  other  conversations  and  commerces,  merely  for  re- 


40  TRELIMINARY   ESSAY 

fuge,  shunning  tliis  intercourse  witli  God,  and  with  our 
selves." 

3.  A  tliird  objection  arises  from  diffidence.     This  de- 
mands a  more  respectful  consideration.     And  yet  there 
is  scarcely  any  thing  in  which  men  are  more  liable  to 
err.     I  shall  assume  the  strongest  case.     It  is  that  where 
a  father  is  naturally  timid,  and  retiring.     Where  he  finda 
it  difficult  to  express  himself,  clearly  and  fluently,  on  any 
subject.    Where  he  has  arrived  to  a  somewhat  advanced 
period  of  life,  and  his  family  have  grown  up  around  him, 
Where  he  even  apprehends  opposition,  or  ridicule,  from 
his  companion  or  children.     In  such  a  case,  is  it  the 
duty  of  the  father  to  establish  the  worship  of  God  in  his 
family  ?  I  reply,  1.  You  can  speak  to  your  children  about 
other  matters,  you  can  address  them  on  any  topic ;  why 
can  you  not,  in  their  presence,  address  God  ?     Does  it 
require  more  talent,  more   learning,  more  eloquence  ? 
The  simplest  language,  and  the  humblest  petitions,  are 
those  which  will  be  most  acceptable  to  him.     2.  Every 
parent  must  feel  that  it  is  no  creditable  thing  for  him  to 
be  afraid  of  his  children,  when  called  to  do  his  duty.     To 
fear  the^n,  is  to  throw  disorder  into  all  family  govern- 
ment ;  and  to  fear  them  more  than  God,  is  more.     It  is 
to  throw  "  shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness,"  on  all  his 
piety.     How  can  a  man  be  a  Christian,  when  he  trem- 
bles more  at  the  fear  of  his  children,  than  he  does  at  the 
presence  of  God ;  and  Avhen  he  regards  their  opinion  as 
of  more  consequence  than  the  judgment  of  heaven  ?  This 
was  not  the  spirit  of  the  apostles  and  martyrs,  who  faced 
the  world,  and  defied  tyrants  on  their  thrones,  and  feared 
not  racks  and  flames  rather  than  to  depart  from  the  Avill 
of  heaven.     3.  All  duty  demands  self-denial.     He  who 
expects  to  reach  the  heavens  by  sailing  on  the  bosom  of 
a  calm  and  unrufllcd  stream,  Avill  find  yet  that  he  has 
greatly  mistaken  the  nature  of  piety.     And  especially  U 
"  this  the  case  where  duty  has  been  long  neglected.    Then, 
to  return  is  always  difficult.    Fear  and  shame  will  ahvaya 
plead  for  a  longer  indulgence.     The  man  will  be  diffi- 
dent just  in  proportion  to  the  extent  of  his  sin,  and  tc 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  41 

tho  amount  of  influence  that  will  be  opposed  to  his  return. 
The  world  will  oppose  him,  perhaps  deride  and  perse- 
cute him.  But  it  is  not  reserved  to  this  time  to  know 
what  is  to  be  done  in  such  a  case.  It  is  long  since  made 
known.  Duty  is  imperious.  It  yields  nothing.  And 
Christianity  demands  that  whatever  shame,  or  ridicule, 
or  persecution,  be  to  be  encountered,  it  be  cheerfully  met 
and  borne,  even  on  the  rack  or  in  the  flames.  You  will 
never  be  a  Christian  without  self-denial.  That  matter 
is  put  beyond  debate.  4.  On  this  subject  there* is  a  most 
solemn  and  fearful  declaration  of  Jesus  Christ.  He  that 
is  ashamed  of  me  and  of  my  words  before  men,  of  him 
shall  the  Son  of  man  be  ashamed  before  his  Father,  and 
the  holy  angels.  5.  You  are  probably  mistaken  about 
your  family.  Sufi'er  me  to  ask,  what  reason  have  you 
to  suppose  that  they  Avill  regard  an  attempt  to  pray, 
with  disapprobation,  or  derision  ?  Have  they  thus  ever 
met  an  attempt  to  do  your  duty  ?  Have  you  made  the 
experiment  ?  Have  you  seen  any  indications  that  your 
attempt  to  obey  God  would  meet  with  opposition  ?  Then 
it  is  time  that  the  authority  of  a  father  should  be  exer- 
cised, and  attended  by  all  the  sanctions  and  pleadings  of 
religion.  If  you  have  so  long  neglected  to  do  your  duty, 
so  long  neglected  their  religious  training,  that  they  be- 
gin to  deride  the  religion  of  the  Son  of  God,  then  no 
time  is  to  be  lost  in  meeting  this  influence,  and  showing: 
them  your  sense  of  the  value  of  the  Christian  religion, 
and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  to  die.  But  you 
have  not  estimated  aright  the  feelings  of  your  children. 
Long  since  they  have  wondered  that  a  father  acknow- 
ledges no  God  in  his  habitation ;  and  perhops  this  may 
have  been  the  burden  of  their  secret  prayers  that  the 
God  of  heaven  might  be  honoured  in  their  father's  house. 
It  is  not  common,  in  this  land,  at  least,  that  a  family  is 
disposed  to  deride  a  father  for  a  serious  attempt  to  do 
his  duty.  —  I  will  add  here,  that  all  these  difficultiea 
vanish  when  a  man  commences  the  duty  in  earnest. 
Mountains  at  once  dwindle  to  mole-hills.  What  was 
formidable  in  appearance,  becomes  easy  in  the  reality ; 
D2 


42  PRELIMINARY   ESSATf 

and  delight  comes  in  where  you  expected  dismay  and 
ahirm.     I  appeal  to  your  own  experience  in  other  things 
HoAV  often  have  you  found  that  all  your  difficulties  have 
vanished  Avlien  you  have  seriously  resolved  to  do  your 
duty !    So  you  would  find  it  in  family  prayer. 

4.  A  fourth  objection  is  want  of  ability  to  pray  to 
edification.  To  this  I  answer,  1.  It  is  not  talent  or 
eloquence  that  is  required  in  addressing  God.  It  is  a 
humble  and  contrite  heart.  2.  You  can  speak  before 
your  family  on  other  subjects  with  propriety.  You  make 
no  plea  of  want  of  ability  when  you  express  your  desires 
to  them.  Why  urge  this  plea  about  expressing  tlieir 
and  your  desires  to  God  ?  3.  You  have  as  much  ability 
in  this  case  as  the  publican  had.  It  was  not  eloquence 
or  learning  in  him  that  received  the  commendation  of 
the  Son  of  God.  4.  There  is  scarcely  any  thing  in 
which  pride  is  more  apparent ;  and  none  in  which  it  iy 
more  abominable,  than  in  the  excuses  about  prayer.  It 
it  were  not  for  their  follow  sinners,  men  could  pr-.iy. 
Alone,  they  are  never  known  to  urge  the  plea  of  waiit  of 
ability.  And  this  is  saying  that  they  have  more  respect 
for  thgir  fellow  men  than  they  have  for  God.  And  this 
is  the  same  as  to  say,  if  they  were  not  proud  they  rtould 
find  no  difficulty  in  devotion.  When  an  objection  «an 
be  reduced  to  this  condition,  there  it  is  proper  to  leave 
it.  5.  All  this  difficulty  can  be  avoided  by  availing 
yourself  of  forms  of  prayer.  If  the  objection  be  sincere, 
that  is  a  full  ansAver  to  it,  and  you  should  commence  at 
once.  Such  forms  are  not  forbidden  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, and  as  if  to  meet  this  whole  difficulty,  and  with  an 
expi'essed  design  to  teach  bis  disciples  how  to  pray,  Christ 
left  that  inimitably  beautiful  model  which  is  known  as 
his.  That,  you  can  at  least  use  in  your  family.  And 
whatever  may  be  the  abstract  opinion  about  the  compa- 
rative value  of  forms  of  prayer,  yet  there  will  be  no 
question.  I  apprehend,  that  it  is  better  to  use  a  form, 
than  not- to  pray  at  all. 

5.  There  is  but  one  other  difficulty  that  I  think  'u 
important  to  notice;  and  that  is  one  that  demands  the 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER. 


43 


utmost  tenderness  and  kindness  in  the  reply.     It  re- 
lates to  the  duty  of  a  mother,  and  especially  of  a  wi- 
dowed mother;    and   the    question   is  whether  such   a 
mother  should  lead  a  family  advancing  in  years  to  the 
throne  of  Grace.   The  duty  of  a  mother,  where  the  fath'jr 
is  opposed  to  it,  is  manifestly  clear.    It  is  not  to  assume 
authority,  or  to  demand  the  privilege  as  a  right,  of  con 
ducting  herself  the  devotions  of  the  family.     In  retire 
ment  with  her  children,  however,  she  may,  and  should, 
supplicate  the  blessing  of  God  on  them  and  him.  When, 
however,  he  is  unwilling  to  perform  the  duty  himself, 
but  Avilling  that  she  should  conduct  the  devotions  of  the 
house,  there  can  be  no  violation  of  propriety  in  her 
maintaining  family  devotion.     The  more  difficult  ques- 
tion pertains  to  the  widow.     Let  us  look  at  this.     On 
this,  then,  I  remark,  1.  She  is  obviously  the  very  per- 
son who  needs  the  aid  of  family  prayer.    God  has  taken 
away  the   head   and    earthly  father  in  his   mysterious 
dealings — he  whose  it  was  to  conduct  your  devotions — 
and  why  should  you  not  look  to  him  who  is  your  Father 
and  Comforter  in  heaven  ?     The  benefit  of  the  counsels 
of  the  earthly  parent  is  withdrawn.  You  need  t^ie.  coun- 
sel of  a  higher  Being ;  and  why  should  you  not  seek  it  ? 
You  feel  now  more  and  more  your  dependence  on  God, 
and  why  should  you  not  express  it?    2.  You  especially 
need  all  this  aid,  in  the  business  of  governing  and  di- 
recting your  children.     They  have   lost   their  father's 
counsel,  his  example,  his  authority.     On  your  feebler 
arm  now  all  is    dependent.     It  is   yours   to  guide,  to 
counsel,  to  govern.     In  this  you  need  all  the  aid  which 
can  be  obtained.     What  so  direct  and  mighty  as  to  call 
in  the  aid  of  religion — amid  your  sighs  and  tears  to  be- 
seech the  God  of  mercy  to  take  you  beneath  his  kind 
paternal  care?     It  is  not  easy  for  children  to  treat  with 
disrespect   a   praying,  widowed   mother.     This   is   the 
very  time,  and  occasion,  for  seeking  the  God  of  grace, 
And  his  ear  will  not  be  heavy  to  hear,  nor  his  arm  short 
to  help  her,  that  comes  and  pleads  day  and  night  before 
his  thione,  his  own  oft-repeated  promises  to  the  widow 


44  PRELIMINARY  ESSAY 

and  the  fatherless.  3.  There  is  no  scene  on  earth,  it 
seems  to  me,  so  lovelj  as  that  of  a  bereaved  family,  thus 
pouring  its  sorrows  into  the  ears  of  God,  and  seeking 
repose  on  his  bosom.  And  in  that  family — that  widowed 
and  fatherless  family  where  this  is  wanting,  there  is  a 
chasm  which  no  adorning,  no  amiableness,  no  intelli- 
gence can  fill.  God  should  be  acknowledged  there.  It 
is  the  very  place  where  there  should  be  an  altar.  And 
if  all  places  of  worship  should  be  broken  up ;  if  all  our 
assemblies  should  be  dissolved ;  if  the  fires  of  devotion 
every  where  else  should  grow  dim,  or  expire,  yet  they 
should  be  seen  to  shed  their  pure  beams  on  the  abode  of 
the  widow,  and  to  diffuse  light  and  joy  in  the  otherwise 
sad  dwelling-place  of  the  fatherless.  4.  The  plea  of 
want  of  ability  should  not  be  urged  there.  It  is  proper 
to  use  forms  of  prayer;  and  the  widow  comes  to  her 
duty  under  the  advantage  of  more  cheering  promises 
made  to  her  in  the  Scriptures,  than  are  made  to  any 
other  class  of  the  human  family. 

It  is  proper,  before  we  close,  to  make  a  few  remarks 
on  the  ivay  in  which  family  devotion  should  be  per- 
formed. .  As  general  remarks  on  a  subject  like  this  do 
no  good,  I  shall  specify  a  few  particulars. 

1.  Prayer  should  be  short.  A  family  cannot  be  brought 
to  attend  with  interest  to  a  prayer  that  shall  much,  if 
any,  exceed  five  minutes  in  length.  It  is  better  to  fall 
short  of  that  than  to  exceed  it.  The  tendency  of  long 
prayers  is  to  disgust  and  weary,  and  to  train  them  up  to 
dread,  and  to  hate  the  whole  business  of  family  devotion. 

2.  Prayer  should  be  simple  and  plain.  The  Lord's 
prayer  is  on  this  su])jcct  an  inimitable  model  of  devo- 
tion. It  is  unsurpassed  in  simplicity,  and  it  is  one  of 
the  first  things  that  a  child  can  be  made  to  understand. 
A  family  will  soon  be  disgusted  with  that  which  is  above 
their  comprehension  ;  and  the  only  way  to  interest  chil- 
dren in  such  devotions  is  to  frame  them  so  that  they  can 
understiind  them  and  feel  an  interest  in  them. 

3.  It  should  be  direct.  There  should  be  some  object 
to  be  prayed  for.     It  should  be  commonly  limited  to  a 


ON    FAMILY    TRAYER.  43 

^ew  topics,  and  those  should  be  presented  in  the  most 
isimple  way  possible.  The  practice  of  praying  for  every 
body  and  every  thing,  in  every  prayer,  has  a  direct  ten- 
dency to  destroy  all  the  eifects  of  devotion.  Hhtorical 
prayers  —  prayers  beginning  with  the  creation  of  man, 
and  tracing  all  his  history  to  the  times  of  the  millen- 
nium, repeated  from  one  day  to  another,  soon  disgust 
and  weary  any  audience,  and  soonest  of  all,  a  family. 
Till  men  learn  to  concentrate  their  feelings,  and  have 
really  some  object  for  which  they  wish  to  pray  —  an  ob- 
ject in  which  they  feel  some  interest,  the  business  of 
praying  will  be  dull,  monotonous,  disgusting. 

4.  Prayer  should  be  solemn.  It  should  not  be  a  mat- 
ter of  form.  Nor  should  it  be  in  an  affected  tone,  or 
mock  solemnity.  Few  audiences  understand  the  real 
nature  of  such  prayers,  sooner  than  a  family.  The  God 
whom  you  worship  is  not  an  idol.  Your  wants  are  not 
fictions.  Your  sins  are  real.  The  dangers  of  your 
children  are  mighty  and  pressing.  Your  relation  to 
God  and  eternity,  is  not  a  cold  formality.  It  has  every 
thing  to  thrill,  to  pierce,  to  awe,  to  overwhelm.  And 
coldness,  and  spiritual  death,  become  any  place  better 
than  the  family  altar.  Let  the  snows  of  Greenland,  and 
the  ice  of  the  northern  seas,  be  in  any  other  place  of 
devotion,  rather  than  on  that  where  you  plead  with 
God  for  the  guidance  and  salvation  of  your  sons  and 
daughters. 

5.  Prayer  should  be  regular.  It  is  not  the  business 
of  the  sabbath  merely ;  nor  of  scenes  of  affliction  mere- 
ly ;  nor  a  matter  to  be  attended  to  when  you  are  not 
otherwise  employed.  It  is  to  be  the  real  business  of  the 
family  —  a  part  of  its  systematic  organization,  and  em- 
ployment. Without  this  its  interest  will  expire.  When 
I  plead  with  you  that  God  be  acknowledged  in  your 
family,  I  plead  that  it  may  enter  into  your  plans,  that 
religion  is  to  be  a  prominent  part  of  the  design  for 
which  you  live. 

6.  Family  prayer  should  obviously  be  connected  with 
instruction,  and  especially  with  the  perusal  of  the  Holy 


46  PRELIMINARI   r.P.SAY 

Scriptures.  Its  interest  may  also  be  heightened,  anc' 
its  great  ends  furthered,  by  making  it  the  occasion  of 
celebrating  the  praises  of  God,  by  psalms  and  hymns 
I  add— 

7.  That  it  should  be  the  offering  of  the  famiJij.  1 
deem  this  remark  of  more  importance  than  any  one 
■s\hich  I  have  made.  When  I  say  that  it  should  be  the 
offering  of  the  family,  I  mean  that  it  should  enter  into 
the  j9?(/?i,  and  the  arrangement,  that  children,  and  ser- 
vants, should  be  present  at  the  time  of  devotion.  I 
make  the  observation,  because  it  is  so  easy  to  forget  that 
oui-  servants  are  a  part  of  the  family,  or  that  they  have 
any  sympathies  in  common  with  us.  Whoever  looks 
into  the  epistles  of  Paul,  will  see  that  the  religious  treat- 
ment of  servants  occupies  a  large  place  in  his  instruc- 
tions to  the  churches.  It  is  clear,  that  proper  religious 
attention  Avill  not  be  shown  to  them,  unless  it  is  made  a 
matter  of  conscience  with  you  to  admit  them  to  the 
privileges  of  family  prayer.  They  are  a  part  of  your 
family.  They  are  under  your  care.  Their  religious 
instruction  is  to  be  subject  to  your  control.  And  it  is 
perfectly  manifest  that  their  attachment  to  you,  their 
lidelity,  their  good  conduct,  can  be  in  no  way  so  effectu- 
ally secured  as  to  admit  them  to  the  privileges  of  the 
Christian,  and  share  with  them  the  hopes  of  the  mercy 
of  heaven,  and  the  favour  of  God.  If  you  wish  to  secure 
their  attachment,  shoAV  them  that  you  are  interested  in 
their  religious  welfare.  If  ^^ou  wish  to  bind  them  to 
your  family,  admit  them  to  the  privileges  of  that  religion, 
where  there  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek,  neither  bond  nor 
free;  but  where  Christ  is  all  and  in  all.  These  great 
interests  you  have  in  common.  The  hopes  of  heaven 
may  be  theirs,  as  well  as  yours.  And  rank,  and  wealth, 
and  the  relation  of  master,  afford  no  passport  to  the 
favour  of  God,  and  confer  no  elevation  before  the  throne 
Df  grace.  Besides,  there  is  no  so  effectual  way  of  pro- 
ducing liumility,  kindness,  and  fidelity,  among  servants, 
as  by  imbuing  them  with  a  kno^vledge  of  that  religion 
whieh  recognises   their  condition,  teaches   them   theij 


UN  FAMILY  rRA5fER. 


auty  and  makes  them  prayerful  and  conscientious.  Be- 
fore the  throne  of  God  masters  and  ser^  ants  should  bow 
Jn  common.  They  will  soon  stand  at  a  common  bar  of 
Vulo-ment.  And  it  is  well  even  for  the  rich  and  the 
po^v^rful,  to  feel  every  day,  that  in  the  great  mterests 
of  human  existence,  wealth  and  splendour  confer  no- 
prerogatives ;  and  that  those  poor,  dependent,  and  igno- 
rant, have  spirits  precious  as  our  own,  and  that  it  is 
ours  to  attempt  to  raise  them  up  to  the  blessings  of  re- 
demption, and  that  there  is  no  respect  of  persons  with 

God.  , 

The  same  remarks  are  applicable  to  your  children 
The  evil  of  disorganized  families  results  from  irregu 
larity  in  their  attendance  on  family  devotion.  Indulge 
them  in  sleep ;  or  suffer  them  to  be  absent  amid  the  scenes 
of  gaiety,  fashion,  splendour,  or  dissipation,  at  the  regu- 
lar times  of  devotion,  and  it  is  not  difficult  to  foresee  what 
will  be  the  character  of  your  sons  and  daughters.  Deeds 
of  wickedness  are  commonly  literally  deeds  of  darkness ; 
and  more  than  half  the  evils  inflicted  on  a  community, 
result  from  the  want  of  power  or  iriclination  of  parents 
to  restrain,  and  bind  to  proper  hours,  and  times,  ^the 
headlong,  and  daring  propensities  of  children.  That 
parent,  in  my  view,  greatly  fails  in  his  duty,  and  is 
pointing  thorns  for  a  future  pillow,  who  suffers  his  chil- 
dren to  be  absent  from  his  view  at  the  proper  seasons 
of  devotion.  Summon  them  to  your  side,  and  present 
them  before  God;  and  there,  if  any  where,  they  are 

safe. 

In  conclusion,  I  remark,  that  there  is  not  on  earth  a 
scene  more  interesting  than  a  family  thus  bending  be- 
fore the  God  of  heaven.  A  collection  of  dependent  beings, 
with  tender  feelings,  with  lively  sympathies,  with  com- 
mon hopes,  fears,  joys,  blending  their  bliss,  and  their 
woes  together,  and  presenting  them  all  to  the  King  of 
kings,  and  the  Great  Father  of  all  the  families  of  man- 
kind. There  is  not  on  earth  a  man  more  to  be  vene- 
rated, or  that  will  be  more  venerated,  than  the  father 
who  thus  ministers  at  the  family  altar.     No  other  man, 


i8  PRELIMINARY   ESSAY 

like  that  father,  so  reaches  all  the  sources  of  human 
action,  or  so  gently  controls  the  powers  yielding  in  their 
first  years,  and  following  the  direction  of  his  moulding 
hand,  that  are  soon  to  control  all  that  is  tender  and  sa- 
cred in  the  interests  of  the  church  and  state.  No  Solon 
or  Lycurgus  is  laying  the  foundation  of  codes  of  laws  so 
eep,  or  taking  so  fast  a  hold  on  all  that  is  to  afl'ect  the 
resent  or  future  destiny  of  man.  We  love,  therefore, 
to  look  at  such  venerable  locks ;  and  to  contemplate  these 
ministers  of  God  which  stand  between  the  rising  genera- 
tion— feeble,  helpless,  and  exposed  to  a  thousand  ])orils — 
and  the  Eternal  Parent  of  all.  They  stand  between  the 
past  and  the  coming  age — remnants  of  the  one,  and  lights 
to  the  other ;  binding  the  past  with  that  which  is  to  come ; 
living  lights  of  experience  to  guide  the  footsteps  of  the 
ignorant  and  erring;  to  illuminate  the  coming  genera- 
tion— to  obtain  for  it  blessings  by  counsel  and  prayer, 
and  then  to  die.  And  if  the  earth  contains,  amid  its 
desolations,  one  spot  of  green  on  which  the  eye  of  God 
reposes  with  pleasure,  it  is  the  collected  group,  with  tho 
eye  of  the  father  raised  to  heaven,  and  the  voice  of  faith 
and  prayer  commending  tlie  little  worshippers  to  tlie 
protecting  care  of  llim  who  never  slumbers  nor  sleeps. 

The  inimitable  language  of  Burns,  on  this  subject,  ia 
not  fiction.  In  hundreds  of  families  you  might  witness 
all  that  is  ])ure  and  sublime  in  the  scene  contemplated 
by  the  Scottish  bard. 

"They  cliaiit  tlii'ir  artless  notes  in  simple  guise: 

'I'liL-y  tnne  llicir  lic.irts,  hy  Car  llic  nobksl  aim: 
Perliaps  Dutiilrr^s  wild  warbliiijr  nieasures  rise 

Or  piaintivi:  Muitijis,  wnrtliy  of  tliu  name: 
Or  nol)lf  Elinn  lieiits  tin;  lieav'iiward  llanic, 

Tlic  swict'st  far  {.A' Scotia  8  lioly  layst 
Compar'd  widi  llicsi;,  Italian  trills  arc  Unnc ; 

Tliu  tickl'd  cars  no  lieart-tllt  rai)turcs  raise; 
Nae  unison  hae  tlicy  willi  our  Creator's  praise. 

"  The  priest-like  father  reads  the  sacred  page, 

How  Ahrtnn  was  the  friend  nf  God  on  high; 
Or  Mosrs  bade  eternal  warliire  wa>;e 

With  Aiiiiilrk's  niii,fracions  projjeiiy; 
Or  liuw  the  royal  Laid  did  gruaning  lie 


ON  FAMILY  PRAYER.  49 

Beneath  the  stroke  of  Heaven's  avenging  ire; 
Or  Job's  pathetic  plaint,  and  wailing  cry; 
Or  rapt  Isaiah's  wild,  seraphic  fire; 
Or  other  holy  seers  that  tune  the  sacred  lyre. 

"  Perhaps  the  Christian  volume  is  the  theme, 

How  guiltless  blood  for  guilty  man  was  shed; 
How  He,  who  bore  in  heaven  the  second  name, 

Had  not  on  earth  whereon  to  lay  his  head: 
How  his  first  followers  and  servants  sped; 

The  precepts  sage  they  wrote  to  many  a  land; 
How  he  who  lone  in  Patmos  banished. 

Saw  in  the  sun  a  mighty  angel  stand; 
And  heard  great  BabHon's  doom  pronounc'd  by  Heaven's  com* 
mand. 

"  Then  kneeling  down,  to  Heaven's  Eternal  King, 

The  saint,  the  father,  and  the  husband  prays; 
Hope  "  springs  exulting  on  triumphant  wing,"* 

That  thus  they  all  shall  meet  in  future  days; 
There  ever  bask  in  uncreated  rays, 

No  more  to  sigh,  or  shed  the  bitter  tear, 
Together  hymning  their  Creator's  praise. 

In  such  society,  yet  still  more  dear ; 
While  circling  time  moves  round  in  an  eternal  splrar*.** 


•Pope's  Windsor  Forest 


E 


/ 


FAMILY  PRAYERS. 


FIRST  VTEEK. 


SABBATH  MORNING.  Jay 

0  Thou  King  eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  dwelling  in 
the  light  which  no  man  can  approach  unto,  and  whom 
no  eye  hath  seen,  or  can  see.  Thou  art  incomprehensi- 
ble, and  the  highest  archangel  can  never  find  thee  out 
unio  perfection.  Yet  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  reveal 
thyself  to  man ;  and  by  means  of  thy  word,  we  behold 
thee  in  every  character  and  relation  that  can  suit  our 
necessities,  or  encourage  our  hope.  Thy  throne  is  in 
the  heavens,  and  thy  kingdom  ruleth  over  all ;  and  all 
nations  before  thee  are  as  nothing;  yet  thou  conde- 
scendest  to  regard  the  things  that  are  done  in  the  earth  ; 
and  thou  despisest  not  the  prayer  even  of  the  destitute. 
Thou  art  exalted  above  all  blessing  and  jjraise :  our 
goodness  extendeth  not  to  thee  —  but  unless  thine  be 
extended  to  us,  we  are  undone  forever.  Without  thee 
we  can  do  nothing ;  we  are  nothing.  In  thee  we  live, 
and  move,  and  have  our  being.  The  way  of  man  is  not 
in  himself;  it  is  not  in  man  that  walketh  to  direct  his 
steps.  We  are  poor  and  dependent ;  but  as  thou  art 
able,  so  thou  art  willing,  to  take  the  charge  of  us ;  and 
here  we  are,  the  living  to  praise  thee ;  and  to  acknow 
ledge  that  goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  us  all  the 
days  of  our  Kves. 

We  bless  thee,  that  thou  hast  regarded  our  souls,  as 
voll  as  ou»*  bodies;  and  no  less  provided  for  our  future 

(51) 


52  FIRST   WEEK. 

interests,  than  our  present.  When  there  was  no  eye  to 
pity  us,  thou  didst  remember  us  in  our  low  estate ;  and 
when  there  was  no  arm  to  rescue,  thou  wast  pleased  to 
lay  help  on  one  that  is  mighty ;  and  thou  hast  sent  thy 
own  Son  into  the  world,  not  to  condemn  the  world,  but 
that  the  world  through  him  might  be  saved.  To  him 
may  we  turn  our  hearts,  and  find  in  him  the  wisdom, 
righteousness,  sanctification,  and  redemption,  which,  as 
perishing  sinners,  we  need.  In  all  our  approaches  to 
thee,  may  we  have  boldness,  and  access,  with  confidence, 
by  the  faith  of  him.  May  we  know  that  he  has  borne 
our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows ;  and  be  able  to  re- 
joice in  him  as  our  sacrifice,  our  sympathising  friend, 
our  almighty  helper,  and  our  lovely  example.  May  we 
drink  into  his  spirit.  May  we  transcribe  the  excelleii- 
cies  of  his  character  into  our  own.  May  we  place  our 
feet  in  the  very  prints  of  his  steps ;  and  follow  him  till 
we  shall  be  perfectly  like  him,  and  see  him  as  he  is. 

We  desire  to  acknowledge  thee  in  the  dispensations 
of  thy  providence ;  and  to  own  thy  agency  in  all  the 
events  that  befall  us,  whether  pleasing  or  painful.  Thou 
hast  a  right  to  govern  us ;  and  thou  knowcst  what  will 
best  advance  our  welfare.  May  Ave  commit  our  way 
unto  the  Lord,  and  be  able  to  say  at  thy  footstool,  in  un- 
feigned submission.  Here  I  am,  let  him  do  what  seem- 
eth  him  good.  If  darkness  veils  thy  dealings  with  us. 
may  we  trust  and  not  be  afraid ;  believing  that  what  we 
know  not  now,  we  shall  know  hereafter ;  and  that  the 
development  of  thy  conduct  will  issue  in  perfect  satis- 
faction and  praise. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  institutions  of  religion,  in  tho 
use  of  which  thou  hast  promised  to  draw  near  to  those 
that  draw  near  to  thee.  We  rejoice  in  another  of  the 
days  of  the  Son  of  man ;  may  w'c  call  ufi'  our  minds 
from  the  cares  of  the  world,  and  attend  upon  the  Lord 
Vithout  distraction.  Quicken  and  elevate  our  souls, 
that  rising  above  the  formality  of  devotion,  we  may 
come  even  to  thy  seat,  and  enjoy  a  little  of  the  blessed- 
ness of  those  that  have  entered  thy  temple  above,  auJ 


FIRST  WEEK,  53 

ttie  singing  'che  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb.  We  are 
about  to  assemble  in  the  house  of  prayer  —  pour  upon 
us  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplication ;  and  rank  us 
in  the  number  of  those  who  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness.  We  are  going  to  the  house  of  praise  — 
awaken  in  us  every  grateful  and  cheerful  emotion,  and 
may  we  speak  to  ourselves  in  psalms  and  liymns,  and 
spiritual  songs,  singing,  and  making  melody  in  our 
hearts  unto  the  Lord.  We  are  repairing  to  the  house  of 
instruction — enable  us  to  receive  the  kingdom  of  God 
as  a  little  child.  Teach  us  of  thy  ways.  Lead  us  into 
all  truth.  And  let  us  be  neither  barren  nor  unfruitful 
in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

For  this  purpose,  let  thy  presence  go  with  us;  and 
let  thy  word  come  to  us ;  not  in  word  only,  but  in  power, 
and  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance.  Bless 
all  the  churches  of  the  faithful ;  and  the  ministers  of  the 
everlasting  gospel,  of  every  name,  and  of  every  nation. 
Clothe  the  priests  with  salvation;  and  let  thy  saints 
shout  aloud  for  joy.  May  our  country  prosper  in  all 
her  lawful  interests,  both  domestic  and  foreign.  Bless 
the  chief  magistrate  of  our  nation,  and  all  that  are  in 
authority ;  may  they  rule  in  thy  fear,  and  be  guided  by 
thy  counsel ;  and  may  the  people  lead  quiet  and  peacea- 
ble lives  in  all  godliness  and  honesty.  Make  us  glad  ac- 
cording to  the  days  wherein  thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and 
the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil.  Let  thy  work  ap- 
pear unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto  their  chil 
dren,  and  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon 
us ;  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hand  upon  us,  yea, 
the  work  of  our  hand,  establish  thou  it. 

*And  we  especially  invoke  thy  blessing,  0  Lord,  to 
attend  this  day  all  the  instructions  imparted  in  Sabbath 
schools  and  Bible  classes.  We  pray  that  thou  wilt  be 
graciously  pleased  to  grant  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  that  that  instruction  may  be  impressed  deeply 
on  the  heart  and  may  produce  abundant  fruit  in  the  life. 
Give  grace,  Almighty  God,  to  those  who  are  teachers 
in  those  schools;  that  they  may  be  deeply  impressed 
E2 


64  FIRST  WEEK. 

with  their  responsibility ;  that  they  may  be  themselvea 
thy  children;  and  that  they  may  engage  in  their  work 
with  an  earnest  desire  to  benefit  those  entrusted  to  their 
charge.  May  their  minds  be  enlightened  that  they  may 
understand  thy  holy  word.  May  they  see  clearly  the 
great  plan  of  redeeming  mercy.  May  they  be  enabled 
to  present  thy  truth  simply,  clearly,  with  affection,  and 
with  prayer.  May  the  sacred  Spirit — the  Comforter — 
be  given  them,  to  guide  them  into  all  truth.  And  do 
thou  be  pleased  to  bless  all  children  in  those  schools. 
Preside  over  them  and  give  to  them  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
Grant  to  them  tender,  teachable  minds.  May  they  learn 
the  paths  of  wisdom,  and  delight  in  i/istruction.  May 
their  hearts  be  given  to  the  Saviour  in  their  early  years. 
May  they  come  to  him,  who,  when  on  earth,  said.  Suffer 
little  children  and  forbid  them  not  to  come  unto  me,  for 
of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  Heaven.  Take,  0  blessed  Sa- 
viour, those  lambs  of  the  flock  into  thine  arms,  and  guide 
them  by  thine  unerring  counsel.  Defend  them  from  the 
perils  and  temptations  of  life,  and  conduct  thou  them  to 
the  joys  of  thine  everlasting  kingdom.  [May  our  own 
children  be  trained  up  in  the  knowledge  of  thy  name ; 
and  whatever  instruction  in  accordance  with  thy  word 
may  be  imparted  to  them  in  the  family,  the  Sunday 
school,  or  the  sanctuary,  we  pray  that  it  may  be  attended 
with  thy  blessing,  and  be  the  means  of  fitting  them  for 
the  duties  of  this  life,  and  for  the  joys  of  thine  eternal 
kingdom.]* 

These  mercies,  and  all  we  need,  we  humbly  ask  in  the 
name  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  most  gracious  Lord 
and  lledeemer.     Amen. 


SABBATH  EVENING.  Jat,- 

It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  and 
to  sing  praises  unto  tliy  name,  0  Most  High,  to  show 
forth  thy  loving-kindness  in  the  morning,  and  tiiy  faith- 
fulness every  night. 


FIBST  WEEK.  5» 

We  this  evening  acknowledge  the  blessings,  not  only 
of  another  day,  but  of  another  Sabbath.  We  bless  thee 
that  the  Sabbath  was  made  for  man,  and  that  thou  hast 
hallowed  such  a  portion  of  our  time,  for  purposes  so  im- 
portant, but  which,  alas,  we  are  prone  to  neglect.  Thus 
thou  art  aifording  us  opportunities  to  retire  and  to  learn, 
among  all  the  cares  of  life,  that  one  thing  is  needful ;  am 
to  hear  the  inquiry,  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he  shoul 
gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul.  Thus  we 
have  moments  of  leisure,  in  which  we  can  more  fully 
investigate  our  character;  examine  our  condition;  and 
ask,  for  what  purpose  we  entered  this  mortal  stage,  and 
what  Avill  become  of  us  when  these  scenes  close. 

We  thank  thee  that  the  lines  are  fallen  to  us  in  plea- 
sant places,  and  that  we  have  a  goodly  heritage  :  so  that 
we  can  add  to  private  meditation  and  devotion,  the  pub- 
lic ordinances  of  religion ;  and  can  sit  under  our  own 
vine  and  fig-tree,  none  daring  to  make  us  afraid.  AYe 
bless  thee,  that  Ave  have  not  only  the  Scriptures,  but  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel ;  and  have  this  day  not  only  read,, 
but  heard  the  words  of  eternal  life. 

But,  0  God,  the  effects  we  experience  while  waiting 
upon  thee,  though  delightful,  often  prove  like  the  morn- 
ing cloud,  and  early  dew.  Before  the  lapse  of  a  single 
day,  we  are  compelled  to  complain.  My  soul  cleaveth 
unto  the  dust;  and  to  pray.  Quicken  thou  me  according 
to  thy  word.  Render  therefore  the  impressions  made 
upon  us,  deep  and  durable  :  keep  these  things  for  ever  in 
the  imagination  of  the  hearts  of  thy  people ;  and  let  thy 
word  dwell  in  us  richly,  in  all  wisdom. 

May  the  instructions  we  receive,  attend  us  in  every 
part  of  our  life,  and  regulate,  and  excite  us  in  the  dis- 
charge of  all  our  relative  duties,  so  that  whether  we  are 
husbands  or  wives,  parents  or  children,  masters  or  ser- 
vants, Ave  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in 
all  things.  May  Ave  be  satisfied  Avith  no  knowledge,  no 
belief,  no  professions,  no  feelings  in  religion — AA'hile  our 
hearts  are  void  of  thy  love,  and  we  are  strangers  to  that 
grace  Avhich  bringeth  salvation,  and  teacheth  us  ti  deny 


b6  FIRST   WEEK. 

angodlincss  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly,  right- 
eously, and  godly  in  the  present  world. 

We  take  shame  to  ourselves,  not  only  for  our  open 
violations  of  thy  law  ;  but  for  our  secret  faults,  our  omis- 
sions of  duty,  our  unprofitable  attendance  on  the  means 
of  grace,  our  carnality  in  worshipping  thee;  and  all  the 
sins  of  our  holy  things.  Our  iniquities  are  increased 
over  our  head,  and  our  trespass  is  gone  up  into  the  very 
heavens  —  and  there  he  is  gone  also,  Avho  is  our  Advo- 
cate with  the  Father,  and  the  Propitiation  for  our  sins. 
Behold  his  hands  and  his  feet :  and  hear,  0  hear,  the 
voice  of  the  blood  of  sprinkling,  that  speaketh  better 
things  than  that  of  Abel. 

Pity  those  who  have  this  day  been  deprived  of  the 
public  means  of  grace  by  sickness  or  infirmity.  Let 
them  know  that  thou  art  not  confined  to  temples  made 
with  hands :  be  with  them  in  trouble ;  and  give  them 
their  vineyards  from  thence,  and  the  valley  of  Achor 
for  a  door  of  hope. 

And  remember  the  millions  Avho  were  never  favoured 
with  the  advantages  we  enjoy,  and  would  be  grateful  for 
the  crumbs  that  fall  from  our  table.  But  they  never 
smiled  when  a  sabbath  appeared.  They  never  heard 
the  name  of  Jesus.  They  feel  guilt,  but  knoAV  nothing 
of  the  blood  that  clcanscth  from  all  sin ;  they  feci  de- 
pravity, but  know  nothing  of  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  No  one  proclaims  among  them  the  balm  of 
Gilead  ;  and  the  physician  there.  0,  send  out  thy  light 
and  thy  truth.  Let  thy  way  be  known  on  earth ;  thy 
saviiio;  health  among  all  nations. 

We  now  commit  ourselves,  with  all  our  connexions, 
into  thy  hands.  Guard  us  through  the  defenceless  lioura 
of  sleep,  from  every  evil  to  which  we  arc  exposed.  If, 
as  life  is  always  uncertain,  it  should  please  thee  to  call 
ns  hence  this  night  —  may  we  awaken  in  glory,  and  he 
forever  with  the  Lord:  or  if  thou  shouldst  continue  U3 
in  being  —  may  we  rise  in  health  and  comfort,  to  pay 
thee  the  homage  of  a  grateful  heart,  in  a  course  of  cheer 
ful  obedience. 


FIRST   WEEK.  57 

In  thy  favour  is  life — Do  thou  bless  us,  and  we  shall  be 
blessed — safe  from  every  evil,  and  sure  of  every  good. 

And  prepare  us  at  length  for  the  rest  that  remains  for 
thy  people ;  in  which  we  shall  join  the  general  assembly 
and  church  of  the  first  born,  in  ascribing  blessing  and 
honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  to  him  that  sitteth  upon 
the  throne,  and  to  the  Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


MONDAY  MORNING.*  Ja^/. 

0  Thou,  who  hast  characterized  thyself  as  the  hearer 
of  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh  come :  and  that  we 
may  come  with  acceptance  and  success,  we  come  in  the 
name  of  the  great  intercessor,  Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous 
■ — and  thou  Eternal  Spirit  of  grace  and  supplication,  do 
thou  make  intercession  for  us,  by  making  intercession  in 
us,  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

Bless  the  services  in  which  we  were  engaged  on  the 
past  day.  Let  a  savour  of  divine  things  be  left  on  our 
spirits,  and  be  diffused  in  our  conversation.  Let  those 
around  us  take  knowledge  of  us,  that  w^e  have  been  with 
Jesus;  and  may  our  profiting  appear  unto  all  men.  May 
our  light  shine  before  men.  May  we  be  manifestly  the 
disciples  of  Christ.  May  we  put  on,  as  the  elect  of  God, 
holy  and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies,  kindness,  humble- 
ness of  mind,  meekness,  long  suffering,  forgiving  one 
another.  May  we  be  followers  of  God,  as  dear  children: 
may  Ave  be  perfect,  as  our  Father,  who  is  in  heaven,  is 
perfect. 

We  confess  and  bewail,  not  only  our  deficiencies,  but 
our  backslidings  also.  0,  recall  us  to  thyself;  enable  us 
to  feel  our  first  love,  and  to  do  our  first  works.  Yea, 
may  we  forget  the  things  that  are  behind,  and  reach  forth 
unto  those  that  are  before.     May  we  not  only  have  life, 

*  The  first  Monday  in  tlie  month  is  observed,  by  most  Chrisliaii 
denominations,  as  a  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for  the  ppread  of  the 
gosj)el  tliroughout  the  world. 

3* 


58  FIRST  WEEK. 

but  may  "we  have  it  more  abundantly ;  and  not  only  be 
fruitful,  but  bear  much  fruit. 

May  our  improvements  correspond  Avith  our  privi- 
leges ;  and  our  practice  with  our  knowledge.  May  our 
wills  always  bow  to  the  decisions  of  our  judgments ; 
may  we  choose  what  we  approve,  and  never  condemn 
ourselves  in  the  things  that  we  allow. 

jNIay  all  our  churches  continue  steadfiistly  in  the  apos- 
tles' doctrine,  and  in  fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of 
bread,  and  in  prayer;  and  may  the  Lord  add  daily  to 
their  number,  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

May  the  dead  hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of  God,  and 
live.  May  those  who  are  asking  the  way  to  Zion,  with 
their  faces  thitherward,  find  a  teacher  that  will  say  to 
them,  This  is  the  way,  walk  ye  in  it,  when  they  turn  to 
the  right  hand,  and  when  they  turn  to  the  left.  Let  the 
rich  be  poor  in  spirit ;  and  the  poor  be  made  rich  in  faith, 
and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  Avhich  thou  hast  promised  to 
them  that  love  thee.  Let  the  ignorant  be  enlightened; 
and  let  those  that  are  wise,  become  fools,  that  they  may 
be  wise. 

*We  acknowledge  thee,  0  most  merciful  God,  as  the 
Father  of  all  flesh.  Thou  hast  made  of  one  blood  all  the 
nations  of  men,  to  dwell  on  the  face  of  all  the  earth ;  and 
hast  fixed  tlie  bounds  of  their  habitation.  Thou  ujiliold- 
est  all  in  being;  providest  for  their  wants;  causest  thy 
sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendest  rain 
on  the  just  and  on  the  unjust.  "We  rejoice,  0  our  Father, 
and  thank  thee  for  thy  goodness  to  all  men.  We  praise 
thee  tliat  thou  hast  had  mercy  on  the  human  family,  and 
liast  provided  a  i)lan  of  salvation,  adapted  to  the  wants 
of  all  mankind.  And  Ave  bless  thee  for  all  tliy  promises 
in  relation  to  the  spread,  and  final  triumph  of  the  gospel 
of  thy  dear  Son,  that  the  heathen  shall  be  given  to  hira 
for  his  inheritance,  and  the  ends  of  the  earth  for  his 
possession — that  the  desert  shall  bud  and  bloom  as  the 
rose,  tuid  tlie  wilderness  and  solitary  place  shall  be  glad. 

Be  pleased,  ()  Lord,  to  look  down  in  mercy,  on  all 
who  shall  this  day  assemble  to  supplicate  thy  blessing 


FIRST  WEEK.  59 

on  a  fallen  worlds  Give  to  thy  people  a  spirit  of  grace 
and  supplication.  May  they  approach  thy  throne  with 
humble  hearts ;  with  true  faith ;  with  earnest  desires,  that 
thy  kingdom  may  come,  and  thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  done  in  heaven.  May  they  approach  thee,  feel- 
ing that  they  plead  for  the  salvation  of  a  dying  world ; 
and  give  thee  no  rest  until  the  righteousness  of  Zion 
go  forth  as  brightness,  and  her  salvation  as  a  lamp  that 
burneth.  Do  thou  graciously  hear  and  answer  their  sup- 
plications. Look  in  mercy  upon  a  ruined  world.  Pity 
the  nations  that  are  sitting  in  the  region  and  shadow  of 
death ;  and  may  the  sun  of  righteousness  arise  upon  them 
with  healing  in  his  beams.  May  the  dark  places  of  the 
earth,  now  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty,  become  the 
dwelling-place  of  righteousness,  and  the  abodes  of  peace. 
May  the  ignorant  be  enlightened ;  the  wretched  be  com- 
forted ;  the  oppressed  go  free.  May  thy  glorious  gospel 
shed  its  blessings  on  all  the  nations  of  the  earth ;  and  all 
the  means  now  used  to  advance  the  glory  of  the  latter 
day,  be  crowned  with  success. 

Attend,  0  most  merciful  Father,  all  those  who  have 
gone  to  other  lands,  to  make  known  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ.  Give  to  them  much  of  the  spirit  of  thy 
dear  Son.  Give  them  wisdom  to  direct  them — grace  to 
support  them  in  all  their  trials — success  in  all  their  efforts. 
Make  them  burning  and  shining  lights  among  the  na- 
tions. May  they  be  kept  from  sin,  and  temptation; 
from  despondency,  and  doubt;  from  persecution,  and 
want.  In  all  their  trials  may  they  stay  themselves  on 
thee,  and  ever  have  an  unshaken  confidence  in  the  pro- 
mises of  thy  holy  word.  Keep,  by  thy  mighty  power, 
all  who  among  the  heathen  have  been  converted  to  the 
Christian  faith.  Preserve  them  from  temptation  and 
apostacy.  AflFord  them  light  and  strength  as  they  need, 
and  amid  all  the  trials  with  Avhich  they  may  meet,  may 
they  find  thee  to  be  a  present  help,  a  refuge,  and  a 
strength.  May  they  see  more  and  more  of  the  beauty 
of  that  religion  which  they  profess,  and  daily  rejoice 
more  and  more  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 


60  FIRST   WEEK. 

Advance,  0  Lord,  all  the  great  interests  of  man.  May 
the  blessings  of  civil  and  religious  freedom,  of  Christian 
education,  and  of  peace,  be  everywhere  enjoyed.  May 
wars,  and  rumours  of  wars  cease.  May  the  sword  be 
beat  into  a  ploughshare,  and  the  spear  into  a  pruning 
hook,  and  nations  learn  war  no  more.  Let  the  mild  and 
peaceful  principles  of  thy  glorious  gospel  every  where 
prevail,  and  the  ends  of  the  earth  soon  be  filled  with 
thy  glory.* 

We  bless  thee,  for  all  thy  former  loving-kindnesses  to 
this  family,  and  pray  that  they  may  be  continued  to  us, 
and  sanctified  to  us.  May  the  outgoings  of  the  morning 
and  evening  of  another  day  be  made  to  rejoice.  May 
we  continually  live  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing  and 
the  influence  of  thy  grace :  and  let  the  words  of  our 
mouth,  and  the  meditations  of  our  hearts,  be  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength  and  our  Redeemer. 

And  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  do  for  us  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to 
the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto  Him  be  glory  in  the 
church,  by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


MONDAY  EVENING.  Jai/. 

*OuR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  we  approach  thee 
at  the  close  of  another  day  to  render  thee  thanks  for  thy 
mercies,  and  to  implore  thy  blessing  on  us  and  on  all 
mankind.  Thy  mercies  are  new  to  us  every  morning, 
fresh  every  evening,  repeated  every  moment.  To  thy 
name  we  give  thanks  for  our  birth  in  a  Christian  land, 
and  for  all  the  mercy  thou  hast  shown  us  in  our  lives. 
We  thank  thee  for  thy  glorious  gospel,  that  gospel  which 
we  have  so  long  slighted  and  abused,  and  which  thou  art 
graciously  continuing  to  us.  We  would  remember  this 
night,  that  millions  of  our  fellow  beings  are  sitting  in  the 
region  and  shadow  of  death ;  that  on  them  no  light  has 


FIRST   WEEK.  61 

risen,  and  none  have  gone  to  them  to  break  to  them  the 
bread  of  life.  Make  us  sensible  of  thy  distinguishing 
mercy  to  us.  May  we  remember  that  where  much  is 
given,  there  much  will  be  required ;  and  that  soon  we 
must  appear  at  thy  bar,  with  an  assembled  world,  t& 
render  an  account  for  the  improvement  of  all  our  privi- 
leges.* 

We  bless  thee  for  a  purpose  of  grace  given  us  in  Christ 
Jesus  before  the  world  began.  We  rejoice  that  in  the 
fulness  of  time  he  assumed  our  nature,  and  became  obe- 
dient unto  death,"  even  the  death  of  the  cross ;  and  that 
as  he  was  delivered  for  our  offences,  so  he  was  raised 
again  for  our  justification,  and  ascending  up  on  high, 
entered  into  the  holy  place,  as  a  proof  of  the  sufficiency 
and  acceptance  of  the  sacrifice  he  offered.  We  rejoice 
that  he  has  received  the  whole  dispensation  of  the  Spirit, 
and  that  in  him  all  fulness  dwells.  And  we  bless  thee 
for  the  proclamations  of  the  gospel,  which  hold  him 
forth  to  our  view  in  all  his  grace  and  glory,  and  un- 
searchable riches,  that  we  through  patience  and  comfort 
of  the  Scriptures,  might  have  hope. 

0  thou  God  of  hope,  fill  us  with  all  joy  and  peace,  in 
believing  thy  promises  and  invitations,  that  we  may 
abound  in  hope  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
May  we  esteem  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of 
the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord ;  and  may  we 
supremely  desire  to  win  Christ,  knowing  that  he  who 
hath  the  Son  of  God  hath  life,  and  shall  never  come  into 
condemnation.  May  we  prove  that  we  are  joined  to  the 
Lord,  by  being  one  spirit  with  him ;  may  our  sentiments, 
tempers,  and  conduct,  be  formed  after  the  example  which 
"he  left  us;  and  may  we  never  consider  ourselves  Chris- 
tians, but  as  we  long  to  be  like  him,  and  the  life  also  of 
Jesus  is  made  manifest  in  our  mortal  body.  May  we 
never  love  a  world  that  crucified  the  Lord  of  glory ;  nor 
sufier  those  sins  to  live  that  caused  him  to  die.  May  his 
grace,  in  becoming  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty 
might  be  rich,  make  us  ashamed  of  our  selfishness ;  and 
may  his  love,  in  giving  his  life  a  ransom  for  us,  so  con* 

F 


62  FIRST  WEEK. 

Btrajn  us,  as  to  render  any  services  or  sacrifices,  for  his 
Bake,  our  delight. 

May  he  never  be  -wounded  in  the  house  of  his  pro- 
fessed friends ;  may  we  rather  die  than  bring  a  reproach 
upon  his  cause.  May  all  his  followers  be  dear  to  us. 
May  we  recommend  him  to  those  that  know  him  not, 
that  they  may  seek  him,  Avith  us.  Let  the  number  of 
those  who  love  his  salvation,  daily  increase ;  and  let  the 
accessions  include  every  member  of  our  household,  and 
all  our  absent  friends.  And  hasten,  0  Lord,  the  blessed 
hour,  when  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before  him,  and  all 
nations  shall  serve  him  —  and  blessed  be  his  glorious 
name  forever !  And  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with 
his  glory. 

*Be  pleased,  0  Lord,  to  hear  the  prayers  which  thy 
people  have  this  day  offered  in  behalf  of  Zion.  Grant 
an  answer  to  the  desires  and  supplications  of  thy  people. 
Send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth,  and  let  all  nations  be 
illuminated  with  the  gospel  of  thy  grace.  We  commend 
to  thee  thy  cause.  We  beseech  thee  to  look  in  mercy 
upon  the  nations  of  the  earth.  We  pray  that  thy  people 
may  be  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  wants  and  woes 
of  man.  Grant  that  thy  people  may  more  and  more  deny 
themselves ;  may  feel  more  deeply  afi'ected  in  view  of  all 
the  miseries  and  crimes  of  our  race ;  and  more  earnestly 
desirous  that  all  nations  should  hear  thy  gospel.  We 
commend  to  thy  care  all  Missionary,  Tract,  Bible,  and 
Education  Societies,  and  all  the  institutions  of  benevo 
lence  in  our  land,  and  throughout  the  world.  May  those 
who  are  called,  in  thy  providence,  to  direct  the  charities 
of  thy  people,  and  to  preside  in  the  institutions  of  benevo- 
lence, be  endowed  with  true  wisdom,  with  conscientious- 
ness, with  a  spirit  of  prayer,  and  with  deep  and  expan- 
sive benevolence.  May  they  ever  feel  their  responsi- 
bility, and  in  all  their  deliberations  be  conducted  to  such 
results  as  shall  be  for  the  glory  of  thy  name,  and  for  the 
speedy  and  universal  extension  of  the  gospel  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth.  We  pray  that  revivals  of  true  reli- 
gion in  all  lands  may  be  multiplied.     We  beseech  thee 


FIRST  WEEK,  63 

WO  send  fortli  more  labourers  into  the  harvest.  May  all 
our  schools  and  colleges  be  under  thy  fostering  care,  and 
may  the  young  men  of  this  land,  and  this  generation,  bo 
imbued  with  the  spirit  of  self-denial,  and  with  a  readiness 
to  obey  thy  call  in  diffusing  the  blessings  of  civilization 
and  Christianity  among  all  men.  May  every  continent 
and  island  partake  of  thy  blessing,  and  every  nation  and 
tribe  speedily  hear  in  their  own  language  the  wonderful 
works  of  God.  Let  thy  holy  word  be  translated  into  all 
the  languages  of  the  earth,  and  every  habitation  of  man 
be  soon  blessed  with  the  inestimable  treasure  of  the  word 
of  life. 

Behold  in  mercy,  0  God,  all  who  are  oppressed.  Es- 
pecially look  in  tenderness  upon  benighted  and  injured 
Africa.  Send  to  all  her  millions  thy  holy  gospel,  and  may 
Christian  nations  soon  be  roused  to  repair  her  wrongs,  and 
to  send  to  that  people,  so  long  injured  and  afflicted,  the 
healing  balm  of  life.  Put  a  period,  we  do  earnestly  pray 
thee,  to  the  traffic  in  human  flesh.  May  the  eyes  of  men 
be  opened  to  the  guilt  and  wo  of  this  traffic,  and  their 
hearts  feel,  deeply  feel,  for  that  injured  people.  Re- 
member, 0  Lord,  all  the  sons  of  Africa  who  are  held  in 
bondage  in  all  lands.  May  that  gospel,  which  is  sent  to 
bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim  liberty  to  the  cap- 
tives, and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to  them  that  are 
bound,  be  sent  to  all  those  lands,  and  may  the  prisoner 
speedily  go  free.  Especially  remember  all  in  bondage  in 
our  own  land.  Bless  all  the  means  that  are  used  to  pro- 
mote their  welfare ;  and  soon  may  this  land  be  freed  from 
this  burden,  and  all  men  here  be  admitted  to  the  rights 
with  which,  by  nature,  thou  hast  endowed  them.  Direct 
to  such  means  as  may  result  in  their  freedom,  in  consist- 
ency with  the  peace  and  welfare  of  this  nation ;  and 
grant  that  their  captivity  here,  may  yet  be  the  means 
of  bestowing  the  rich  blessings  of  Christianity  on  the 
land  of  their  fathers.* 

"We  praise  thee  as  the  length  of  our  days  and  the  God 
of  our  mercy.  In  the  morning  we  committed  ourselves  to 
thy  care,  and  thou  hast  been  with  us  in  our  going  out  and 


64  FIKdT    WLKK. 

our  coming  in  ;  and  hast  kept  us  in  all  our  ways.  Par- 
don whatever  thou  hast  seen  amiss  in  us  through  another 
period  of  our  time.  Accept  the  charge  of  us  through  the 
approaching  night ;  and  grant  us  the  sleep  whicli  thou 
givest  thy  beloved ;  as  we  hope  we  desire  it,  not  only 
as  creatures,  but  as  Christians ;  not  only  to  gratify  our 
^eelings,  but  to  renew  our  strength  for  thy  service,  and 
o  fit  us  to  glorify  thee  in  our  bodies  as  well  as  in  our 
spirits,  through  our  adorable  Redeemer.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING.  Jai/. 

0  Thou,  whose  name  also  is  Jehovah,  the  Most  High 
over  all  the  earth,  we  desire  to  adore  the  perfections  of 
thy  nature,  and  to  admire  the  works  of  thy  hands.  May 
the  united  displays  of  thy  greatness,  and  thy  goodness, 
nnpress  our  minds,  and  influence  our  thoughts  and  affec- 
tions, while  we  approach  thee. 

Heaven  is  thy  throne,  and  the  earth  is  thy  footstool 
The  universe,  with  all  its  creatures,  was  made  by  thy 
word,  and  is  upholden  by  thy  poAver ;  and  thou  doest  ac- 
cording to  thine  own  will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth ;  none  can  stay  thy 
hand,  or  say  unto  thee.  What  doest  thou  ? 

But  thou  art  the  Father  of  mercies,  the  God  of  all 
grace,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort.  Even  we,  poor, 
mean,  dying  creatures,  are  not  beneath  thy  care.  Thou 
hast  been  mindful  of  us ;  thou  hast  visited  us ;  and  thy 
visitation  hath  preserved  our  spirits.  The  lines  are  fallen 
CO  us  in  pleasant  places  ;  yea,  we  have  a  goodly  heritage  ; 
we  live  in  a  land  of  light ;  we  have  the  Scriptures  in  our 
hands,  and  our  ears  hear  the  joyful  sound  of  the  gospel. 
"We  know  that  thou  hast  not  spared  thine  own  Son, 
but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all.  We  know  that  he  has 
borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows :  that  his  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  that  whosoever  believeth  on 
him,  shall  not  {)erish,  but  have  everlasting  life. 

We  come  in  hin  name,  and  make  mention  of  his  rifjht- 


FIRST  WEEK.  65 

eowsTiess  only.  We  plead  the  obedience  and  sufferings 
of  liim  who  magnified  the  law,  and  made  it  honourable. 
May  we  be  justified  by  his  blood ;  and  may  we  be  saved 
by  his  life.  May  we  be  joined  to  the  Lord,  and  of  one 
spirit  with  him.  May  we  deny  ourselves,  and  take  up 
our  cross,  and  follow  him.  May  the  agency  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  prepare  us  for  all  the  dispensations  of  thy  provi- 
dence. May  Ave  be  Avilling  that  the  Lord  should  choose 
our  inheritance  for  us,  and  determine  what  we  shall  re- 
tain or  lose ;  what  we  shall  suffer  or  enjoy. 

If  indulged  with  prosperity,  may  we  be  secured  from 
its  snares,  and  use  its  advantages  as  not  abusing  them. 
And  may  we  patiently  and  cheerfully  submit  to  those 
afflictions,  which  are  necessary  to  hedge  up  our  way 
when  we  are  tempted  to  wander,  to  excite  an  abhor- 
rence of  sin,  to  wean  us  from  the  present  evil  world, 
and  to  make  us  partakers  of  thy  holiness.  In  whatso- 
ever state  we  are,  may  we  be  therewith  content.  Only 
assure  us  that  thou  wilt  be  with  us  in  trouble,  and,  that  at 
the  end  of  the  vale  of  tears,  we  shall  enter  Emmanuel's 
land,  where  the  inhabitants  no  more  say,  I  am  sick ; 
where  our  sun  shall  no  more  go  down,  nor  our  moon 
withdraw  itself,  but  God  shall  be  our  everlasting  light, 
and  the  days  of  our  mourning  shall  He  ended. 

May  our  friends  and  relations  be  fellow-heirs  with  us 
of  the  grace  of  life.  Let  our  house  be  the  tabernacle 
of  the  righteous :  let  our  children  and  servants  be  a  seed 
to  serve  thee :  and  among  none  of  those  who  surround 
ihis  family  altar,  may  there  be  weeping  and  wailing, 
and  gnashing  of  teeth,  when  they  shall  see  Abraham, 
and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  they 
themselves  shut  out. 

Lord,  help  us  all  to  view  our  religious  opportunities  as 
talents,  for  which  we  are  accountable  :  to  remember,  that 
our  greatest  danger  results  from  our  highest  privileges ; 
and  to  fear,  lest  a  promise  being  left  us  of  entering  into 
thy  rest,  any  of  us  should  seem  to  come  short  of  it. 

Thou  hast  determined  the  bounds  of  our  habitation , 
and  by  the  events  of  thy  providence,  many  of  those  in 

F2 


66  FIRST    WEEK. 

whose  society  we  delight,  are  separated  from  us.  When 
we  are  absent  in  body,  may  we  be  often  present  in  spirit. 
We  commend  our  absent  friends  and  kindred  to  thy  cove- 
nant care.  May  no  evil  tidings  concerning  them,  wound 
our  hearts :  spare  them  in  mere}'' :  may  we  often  embrace 
each  other  in  circumstances  of  health  and  comfort:  or  if 
we  have  had  our  last  interview  on  earth,  may  Ave  all  meet 
in  our  heavenly  Father's  house,  and  be  for  ever  with  each 
other,  and  for  ever  with  the  Lord. 

*In  the  duties  of  this  day,  be  graciously  pleased  to  be 
with  us.  Preserve  us  from  temptations,  and  the  allure- 
ments of  the  world.  Defend  us  from  danger,  and  pre- 
pare us  for  whatever  may  be  thy  will  in  regard  to  us. 
In  all  circumstances  may  we  evince  the  Christian  spirit : 
be  kept  from  anger,  and  pride,  and  ambition ;  from  envy, 
hatred,  and  malice,  and  all  uncharitableness.  May  we  be 
diligent  in  business ;  fervent  in  spirit ;  serving  the  Lord ; 
rejoicing  in  hope;  patient  in  tribulation;  continuing  in- 
stant in  prayer ;  distributing  to  the  necessity  of  saints ; 
given  to  hospitality.  May  we  rejoice  Avith  them  Avho 
do  rejoice,  and  Aveep  with  them  Avho  Aveep.  Help  us  to 
proA'ide  things  honest  in  the  sight  of  all  men ;  and  to  live 
peaceably  Avith  all.  To  the  end  of  our  lives  may  Ave  be 
the  humble  and  consistent  followers  of  Jesus  Christ,  so 
that  at  last,  through  his  merits,  we  may,  Avith  all  thy 
people,  be  admitted  to  the  joys  of  thy  kingdom  above.* 

And  to  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  be  praise  and 
glory  everlasting.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  Jai/. 

0  Tiiou  King  of  Glory,  avc  desire  to  approach  tliy 
divine  Majesty  Avith  reverence  and  godly  fear,  and  to 
worship  thee  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  Every  perfection 
adorns  thy  nature,  and  sustains  tliy  throne.  The  heavens 
are  thine ;  the  earth  also  is  thine :  the  Avorld  is  thine,  and 
the  fulness  thereof.  Thy  poAver  formed  the  universe  from 
nothing.   Thy  Avisdora  has  managed  all  its  multiplied  cou- 


FIRST  WEEK.  67 

cerns,  presiding  over  nations,  families,  and  individuals, 
and  numbering  the  very  hairs  of  our  head.  Thy  good- 
ness is  boundless ;  the  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee*  and  thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Tliou  o])enest  thine 
hand,  and  satisliest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing.  How 
precious  are  the  thoughts  of  thy  mercy  and  grace — and  so 
excellent  is  thy  loving  kindness,  that  even  the  children  of 
men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 

Thou  art  the  blessed  and  happy  God.  0,  teach  us  to 
place  our  happiness  in  thyself.  May  Ave  never  seek  the 
living  among  the  dead,  nor  ask  with  the  deluded  many, 
AVho  will  show  us  any  good  ?  But,  may  we  prize  the  light 
of  thy  countenance ;  implore  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ;  and 
passing  by  the  attractions  of  creatures,  be  able  to  say, 
Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is  none  upon 
earth  that  I  desire  beside  thee. 

Thou  hast  been  infinitely  more  attentive  to  our  happi- 
ness than  we  ever  have  been,  or  ever  can  be.  Thou 
madest  man  upright,  and  when,  by  voluntary  transgres- 
sion, we  fell  away  from  thee,  thou  didst  not  treat  us  with 
the  severity  or  the  neglect  we  deserved.  In  thy  love 
and  pity  thou  wast  pleased  to  provide  for  us  a  Saviour, 
who  bore  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows,  and  put 
away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 

Apply  this  redemption  to  our  hearts,  by  the  justifica- 
tion of  our  persons,  and  the  sanctification  of  our  natures. 
We  confess  our  transgressions — Have  mercy  upon  us. 
We  are  heavy  laden — Give  us  rest.  We  are  ignorant — 
Make  us  wise  unto  salvation.  We  are  helpless — Let  thy 
strength  be  made  perfect  in  our  weakness.  We  are  poor 
and  needy — Bless  us  with  all  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ.  May  we  run  and  not  be  weary,  and  walk  and  liot 
faint.  And  though  perplexities,  and  trials,  and  dangers 
await  us,  yet  may  we  travel  on,  uncliecked  and  undis- 
mayed, knowing,  thou  hast  said,  I  will  never  leave  thee, 
nor  forsake  thee. 

Thus  far,  blessed  be  thy  name,  thou  hast  led  us  on,  and 
we  have  found  thee  faithful  to  thy  promises.  We  have 
had  our  sorrovrs;  but  thou  hast  baen  a  very  present  help 


fiS  FIRST   WEEK. 

in  every  time  of  trouLlc.  "We  have  had  our  fears;  but 
thou  hast  not  suffered  the  enemy  to  triumph  over  us. 
We  have  sometimes  been  on  the  verge  of  despair,  and 
have  said,  I  am  cast  out  of  thy  siglit :  but  we  have  been 
enal)lc(l  to  look  again  towards  tliy  holy  temple;  and  the 
shadow  of  death  has  been  turned  in  the  morning.  Hitherto 
hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  Thy  vows  are  upon  us,  0  God : 
we  will  render  praises  unto  thee,  for  thou  hast  delivered 
our  souls  from  death :  wilt  not  thou  deliver  our  feet  from 
falling,  that  we  may  walk  before  Go<l  in  the  light  of  the 
living  ? 

AVe  would  feel  the  connexions  which  unite  us  to  others, 
and  by  sympathy,  and  prayer,  and  praise,  make  their  mise- 
ries and  mercies  our  own.  We  would  rejoice  with  those 
that  rejoice,  and  weep  with  those  that  weep.  Provide 
support  and  employment  for  the  poor.  Make  the  wi- 
dow's heart  to  sing  for  joy:  and  in  thee,  may  the  father- 
less find  mercy.  Visit  those  who  are  on  beds  of  sickness, 
and  prepare  them  for  thy  pleasure ;  that  if  they  live,  it 
may  be  to  serve  thee.  Bless  our  nation.  May  every 
department  of  the  nation  be  under  the  control  of  infinite 
wisdom  and  goodness ;  and  let  righteousness  and  peace  be 
the  stability  of  our  times.  Do  good,  in  thy  good  pleasure, 
unto  Zion ;  build  thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem :  and  may 
all  our  churches,  like  the  original  disciples,  continue 
steadfastly  in  the  apostles'  doctrine,  and  in  fellowship, 
and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

Protect  and  refresh  us  throu'rh  tiie  niiiht  season:  and 
then  cause  us  to  hear  thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morn- 
ing: for  in  thee  do  we  trust:  cause  us  to  know  the  way 
wherein  we  should  go,  for  we  lift  up  our  souls  unto 
thee.  We  implore  it  through  the  intercession  of  thy 
dear  Son,  and  our  Saviour. 

And  blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  bo 
unto  Ilim  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     Ameyi. 


FIRST    WEEK.  69 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Jay. 

0  Thou  Most  High !  enable  us  to  feel,  and  to  express, 
becoming  regards  towards  tliee,  as  the  Creacor  of  the 
ends  of  the  earth,  the  Preserver  of  men,  the  Governor  of 
the  universe,  the  Judge  of  all,  the  Saviour  of  sinners.  Thy 
greatness  is  unsearchable,  and  thy  goodness  is  infinite.  I 
is  because  thy  compassions  fail  not,  that  we  are  not  con- 
sumed. Thou  hast  not  only  prolonged  our  unworthy  lives 
under  numberless  provocations,  but  thou  hast  afforded  us 
every  needful  supply  and  indulgence.  Thy  mercies  have 
been  new  every  morning  and  every  moment.  Through 
thy  good  hand  upon  us  we  have  been  rescued  from  the 
perils  of  another  night;  our  repose  has  been  unterrified 
and  undisturbed ;  sleep  has  refreshed  our  bodies,  and  re- 
newed our  strength ;  and  Ave  find  ourselves  surrounded, 
at  the  commencement  of  another  day,  with  all  our  accus- 
tomed privileges. 

But,  0  God,  we  can  never  be  sufficiently  thankful  that 
we  have  our  existence  in  a  Christian  country,  and  where 
we  can  hear  words,  by  which  we  may  be  saved.  0,  how 
important,  how  suitable,  hoAV  encouraging  are  the  dis- 
coveries, the  doctrines,  the  promises,  the  invitations  of 
the  gospel  of  peace  !  We  are  lost ;  but  here  is  presented 
to  us  a  free,  full,  and  everlasting  salvation.  We  are  left 
without  strength ;  but  here  we  learn,  that  help  is  laid  on 
one  that  is  mighty.  We  are  poor  and'  needy ;  but  here 
we  behold  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  We  are 
blind  and  ignorant ;  but  in  him  are  hid  all  the  treasures 
of  wisdom  and  knowledge.  We  thank  thee,  0  God,  for 
thine  unspeakable  gift,  and  we  cordially  accept  of  thy 
mercy  extended  to  us,  through  the  mediation  of  thy  dear 
Son.  We  rejoice  that  he  has  been  delivered  for  our  of- 
fences, and  raised  again  for  our  justification ;  and  that  he 
is  now  exalted  at  thy  right  hand,  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Sa- 
viour. We  abandon  every  other  refuge  to  hide  in,  and 
every  other  foundation  to  build  upon,  and  i  lake  him  our 
only  hope,  and  our  only  confidence.     And  while  we  de- 


"^0  FIRST  WEEK. 

pend  on  his  death,  and  make  mention  of  his  righteous- 
ness only,  we  admire  his  example,  and  desire  to  be  con- 
formed to  his  image.  May  we  put  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  increasingly  resemble  him,  whose  life  was 
beneficence;  whose  soul  was  meekness  and  humility; 
who  pleased  not  himself;  and  who,  of  obedience  the 
most  trying  and  difficult,  could  say,  I  delight  to  do  thy 
will,  0  my  God,  yea,  thy  law  is  within  my  heart.  May 
his  glory  fill  our  minds ;  may  his  love  reign  in  our  affec- 
tions ;  and  at  his  cross,  and  at  his  tomb,  may  we  burn 
with  ardour  to  live,  not  to  ourselves,  but  to  him  that 
died  for  us  and  rose  again. 

Let  the  number  of  his  followers  daily  increase ;  and 
may  none  of  our  friends  be  found  among  his  enemies. 
Pour  thy  Spirit  upon  our  seed,  and  thy  blessing  upon 
our  offspring.  Let  our  sons  be  as  plants  grown  up  in 
their  youth,  and  our  daughters  as  corner-stones,  polished 
after  the  similitude  of  a  palace.  May  our  domestics  be 
the  servants  of  God ;  may  they  do  his  will  from  the 
heart ;  and  be  prepared  for  that  world,  where  those  who 
serve  will  be  as  those  who  are  served,  and  all  the  distinc- 
tions now  necessary,  will  be  done  away,  and  none  re- 
main, but  those  which  arise  from  character.  And  what- 
ever be  our  conditions  in  life,  may  we  fill  them  as  Chris- 
tians ;  may  we  escape  the  snares  to  which  they  expose 
us ;  discharge  the  duties  that  grow  out  of  their  circum- 
stances ;  enjoy  with  moderation  and  gratitude  their  ad 
vantages  ;  and  improve  with  decision  and  diligence,  their 
opportunities  and  resources  of  usefulness.  May  every 
place,  and  every  company,  in  which  we  are  fuuud,  bo 
benefited  by  us. 

And  whatever  may  be  the  opinion  of  our  fellow  crea- 
tures concerning  us,  may  we  be  satisfied  and  haj)p3',  in 
having  the  testimony  that  we  please  God.  We  are  now 
going  forth  into  the  concerns  of  another  day.  Take  us 
under  thy  protection  and  infiucnce.  Guide  us  in  all  our 
steps.-  Enable  us  to  realize  thy  presence  and  thy  pro- 
vidence. Succeed  us  in  all  our  lawful  endeavours,  or 
prepare  us  for  disappointment;  and  assure  us  that  we 


FIRST   WEEK.  71 

are  in  the  number  of  those  to  whom  all  things  are  work- 
ing together  for  good;  and  who  will  forever  acknow- 
ledge— marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty, 
just  and  true  are  all  thy  Avays,  0  thou  King  of  saints. 
*We  ask  these  mercies,  sensible  of  our  guilt  and  un- 
worthiness.  We  come  not  in  our  own  names,  and  we 
plead  no  merit  of  our  own.  We  come  in  the  worthy 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  died  for  us,  and 
who  ever  lives  to  make  intercession  for  us ;  and  we  desire 
to  ascribe  to  him,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit, 
all  praise,  power,  glory,  and  dominion,  both  now  and 
forever.*     A77ien. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Jmj. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  we  desire  to  acknow- 
ledge thy  being  and  agency;  to  adore  thy  perfections, 
and  to  admire  the  works  of  thy  hands.  Thou  hast  made 
summer  and  winter.  Thou  hast  appointed  the  moon  for 
seasons,  and  the  sun  knoweth  his  going  down.  The  day 
is  thine ;  the  night  also  is  thine :  and  thou  makest  the 
outgoings  of  the  morning  and  the  evening  to  rejoice. 
To  that  throne,  from  which  none  were  ever  sent  empty 
away,  we  again  approach  for  mercy  and  grace  to  help  in 
time  of  need.  Let  our  prayer  come  before  thee  as  in- 
cense, and  the  lifting  up  of  our  hands  as  the  evening 
sacrifice.  Preserve  us  from  formality  in  these  exercises 
in  which  we  so  daily  engage  ;  and  alarm  our  fears,  lest  we 
should  provoke  thee  to  say,  In  vain  do  they  worship  me. 

For  this  purpose,  enable  us  to  realize  thine  all-seeing 
eye,  to  remember  with  whom  we  have  to  do,  and  what 
we  have  to  do  with  him :  may  we  deeply  feel  the  guilt 
of  the  sins  we  confess,  and  hunger  and  thirst  after  the 
blessings  we  implore.  And  while  we  review  the  num- 
berless blessings  we  have  received  from  thy  hands,  may 
we  be  more  than  ever  sensible  of  our  unworthiness,  that 
our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  that  we  • 
may  be  disposed  to  show  forth  thy  praise,  not  only  witn 


72  FIRST   WEEK. 

our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  by  giving  up  ourselves  to  thy 
service,  and  walking  before  thee  in  holiness  and  right- 
eousness all  our  days. 

He  that  is  our  God  is  the  God  of  salvation,  and  unto 
God  the  Lord  belong  the  issues  from  death.  We  bless 
thee  this  evening  as  the  preserver  of  men.  Another  day 
has  been  added,  by  thy  good  providence,  to  the  season 
of  thy  long  suffering,  and  the  time  of  our  preparation  for 
eternity.  We  lament  that  the  design  of  our  being  placed 
and  continued  here,  has  been  so  imperfectly  subserved ; 
that  in  so  many  things  we  have  offended,  and  in  all,  come 
short  of  the  glory  of  God.  If,  where  much  is  given, 
much  will  be  required,  and  the  servant  who  knew  his 
Lord's  will  and  did  it  not,  shall  be  beaten  with  many 
stripes — if  thou.  Lord,  should  mark  our  iniquities,  0 
Lord,  who  shall  stand?  We  cannot  answer  thee  for  one 
of  a  thousand  of  our  transgressions :  the  review  of  a  single 
day  is  enough  to  plunge  us  into  despair — our  only  relief 
is,  that  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee;  and  that  with  thee 
there  is  plenteous  redemption. 

But  while  we  hope  in  thy  mercy,  we  would  not  abuse  it. 
We  would  not  sin  that  grace  may  abound;  or  be  evil,  be- 
cause thou  art  good.  But  since  thou  art  good,  and  ready 
to  forgive,  we  would  the  more  sincerely  grieve,  that  ever 
we  have  offended  a  Being,  so  worthy  of  our  devotedness, 
and  be  the  more  concerned  in  future,  to  walk  so  as  to 
please  thee. 

Create  in  us  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit 
within  us.  Set  a  watch,  0  God,  upon  our  mouth ;  keep 
the  door  of  our  lips.  And  in  simplicity  and  godly  sin- 
cerity, not  with  fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  thy  grace,  may 
we  have  our  conversation  in  the  world,  and  in  the  church, 
and  in  the  family. 

We  again  commend  ourselves  to  thy  care.  As  thou 
/last  been  through  the  day,  our  sun  and  our  shield,  be 
thou  through  the  night,  our  shade  and  our  defence.  Un- 
disturbed by  anxieties,  unalarmcd  by  fears,  undistressed 
by  pain  or  indisposition,  may  we  retire  and  enjoy  repose. 
Remind  us,  by  putting  off  our  garments,  and  lying  dowr 


FIRST  WEEK.  78 

to  sleep,  of  putting  off  the  body,  and  sleeping  in  the  grarve, 
the  house  appointed  for  all  living.  Prepare  us  for  the 
night  of  death,  the  morning  of  the  resurrection,  and  the 
day  of  judgment. 

And  all  we  implore  is,  through  the  mediation  of  Him, 
who  bore  the  sins  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the 
transgressors,  to  whom,  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  be  endless  prayers.     A7nen. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  Jai/. 

0  Lord  our  God,  blessed  is  the  man  whom  thoa 
choosest,  and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee.  In  thy 
presence  there  is  fulness  of  joy,  and  at  thy  right  hand 
there  are  pleasures  forever  more.  With  thee  is  the 
fountain  of  life,  and  in  thy  light  alone  can  we  see  light. 

We  therefore  entreat  thy  favour,  with  our  whole  heart. 
We  acknowledge  that  we  have  forfeited  all  claims  to  it; 
and  if  we  had  no  better  ground  of  hope  than  our  deserv- 
ings,  we  must  sink  into  despair.  For  against  thee,  thee 
only  have  we  sinned,  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight,  that  thou 
mightest  be  justified  when  thou  speakest,  and  clear  when 
thou  judgest. 

But  with  thee  there  is  mercy,  and  with  thee  there  13 
plenteous  redemption.  We  bless  thee  for  the  assurance, 
that  thou  hast  sent  thine  own  Son  into  the  world,  not  to 
condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world,  through  him, 
might  be  saved.  We  rejoice,  that  neither  the  number 
nor  heinousness  of  our  transgressions,  is  a  bar  to  that  for- 
giveness, which  is  founded  on  the  sufierings  and  sacrifice 
of  the  cross.  The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  cleanseth 
from  all  sin.  Graciously  absolve  us  from  our  guilt ;  and 
pronounce  our  discharge  from  all  condemnation,  that  be- 
ing justified  by  faith,  we  may  have  peace  with  God  and 
enjoy  the  glorious  liberty  of  thy  children. 

But,  0,  save  us  from  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite,  whica 
shall  perish.     Never  suffer  us  to  impose  upon  ourselves, 
in  any  thing  that  relates  to  our  eternal  state.     May  we 
4  G 


74  FIRST  WEEK, 

« 

never  suppose  that  we  are  in  Christ,  unless  we  are  new 
creatures ;  or  that  we  are  born  of  the  Spirit,  unless  we 
mind  the  things  of  the  Spirit.  May  we  never  rest  satis- 
fied with  any  professions  of  belief  or  any  outward  forms 
or  services,  while  the  heart  is  not  right  with  God.  May 
we  judge  of  our  sincerity  in  religion,  by  our  fear  to  offend 
thee;  by  our  concern  to  know  what  thou  wilt  have  us  to 
do ;  and  by  our  willingness  to  deny  ourselves,  and  take  up 
our  cross  and  follow  the  Lamb,  whithefcoevcr  he  goeth. 
May  nothing  render  us  forgetful  of  thy  glory ;  may 
nothing  turn  us  aside  from  thy  commands ;  may  nothing 
shake  our  confidence  in  thy  promises.  Take  from  us  the 
evil  heart  of  unbelief;  the  cause  of  all  our  waverings  and 
wanderings :  may  we  believe,  that  we  may  be  established 
in  our  goings,  and  be  always  abounding  in  the  work  of 
the  Lord. 

Prepare  us  for  whatever  we  have  to  meet  with,  between 
this  morning  and  the  grave.  We  know  not  what  lies 
before  us ;  but  thou  knowest,  and  thy  grace  can  make 
us  sufficient  for  every  service  and  every  suffering. 

Let  not  our  temporal  occupations  ever  injure  our 
spiritual  concerns ;  or  the  cares  of  this  life  make  us  for- 
get, or  neglect,  the  one  thing  needful :  may  we  learn  the 
holy  art  of  abiding  with  God  in  our  callings  ;  of  being  in 
the  world  without  being  of  it ;  and  of  making  every  thing 
not  only  consistent  with  religion,  but  conducive  to  it. 

May  we  do,  and  may  we  say  nothing,  by  which  we 
shall  offend  against  the  generation  of  thy  children.  May 
we  bear  the  infirmities  of  the  weak,  and  not  please  our- 
selves. May  we  restore  a  brother  that  has  been  over- 
taken in  a  fault,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  considermg 
ourselves,  lest  we  also  be  tempted. 

Bless  those  who  have  done  us  good,  and  render  seven 
fold  into  their  own  bosom,  and  forgive  those  who  have 
done  us  evil,  and  enable  us  to  forgive  them. 

Bless  those  who  are  near  and  dear  to  us ;  may  they 
be  near  and  dear  to  thee.  Bless  them  in  their  outward 
comforts ;  but  above  all,  may  their  souls  prosper. 

Be  gracious  to  our  native  land.     Be  mindful  of  eur 


FIRST  WEEK.  75 

rulers.  Teach  our  senators  wisdom ;  and  so  control  the 
minds  and  hearts  of  those  who  are  entrusted  with  the 
public  welfare,  as  that  they  may  glorify  thee,  and  secure 
the  best  good  of  the  people.  Bless  the  gates  of  Zion, 
and  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob.  Let  thy  secret  reside 
in  the  families  of  them  that  fear  thee ;  and  may  those 
that  have  neglected  to  call  upon  thy  name,  immediately 
adopt  the  resolution  of  Joshua,  As  for  me  and  my  house, 
we  will  serve  the  Lord. 

*To  thy  merciful  providence  we  owe  it,  that  we  have 
been  preserved  another  night.  We  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  kept  us  from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  dark- 
ness, and  the  destruction  that  wasteth  by  noonday.  We 
thank  thee  that  thine  eyes  have  been  open  towards  us, 
and  that  no  plague  has  come  nigh  our  dwelling.  May 
we  realize  this  morning  that  our  lives  are  thy  gift,  and 
that  we  are  brought  under  renewed  obligations  to  devote 
ourselves  to  thy  service.  With  this  feeling  deeply  en- 
graved on  our  souls,  with  a  deep  and  solemn  conviction 
that  all  we  have  is  thine,  may  -we  go  forth  to  meet  the 
various  trials,  dangers,  and  duties  of  the  day  before  us. 
]May  we  go  forth  to  our  work  and  our  labour  until  even- 
ing, under  thy  merciful  providence.  Bless  thou  the 
work  of  our  hands ;  and  at  the  close  of  the  day  gather 
us  together  in  safety  and  in  health,  to  offer  to  thee  an 
acceptable  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.* 

This  morning  sacrifice,  we  oflfer  in  the  all  prevailing 
name  of  our  adorable  Redeemer  —  and  unto  Him  that 
loved  us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood, 
and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priests  unto  God,  and  to 
his  Father,  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Allien. 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  Jai/. 

0  God,  all  thy  works  praise  thee,  and  thy  saints  bless 
thee.  By  thy  mercies,  we  again  surround  this  family 
altar,  and  engage  in  the  exercises  of  devotion.     May  we 


76  FIRST    WtKK. 

worship  thee,  a  holy  God,  in  the  beauty  of  holiness ;  an-i 
worship  thee,  who  art  a  Spirit,  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
Such  worship  alone  thy  word  requires ;  but  such  wor- 
ship, thy  grace  alone  can  enable  us  to  render.  For  we 
know,  from  thy  word,  and  from  our  own  experience  we 
know,  that  without  thee,  we  can  do  nothing.  All  our 
sufficiency  is  of  thee :  do  thou  work  in  us  to  will,  and  to 
lo,  of  thy  good  pleasure. 

We  would  call  to  remembrance  our  true  character  and 
condition  before  thee.  We  would  not  go  about  to  e'*- 
tablish  our  own  righteousness,  or  seek  to  deny  or  exten- 
uate our  guilt.  We  are  not  only  unprofitable  servants, 
but  condemned  criminals.  We  confess  the  number  and 
offensiveness  of  our  transgressions,  and  acknowledge  that 
we  deserve  to  perish.  But  we  bless  thee,  for  the  ever- 
lasting consolation  and  good  hope,  through  grace,  which 
the  gospel  affords ;  for  the  news  of  a  Mediator  between 
thee  and  us ;  of  a  High  Priest  who  has  put  away  sin 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself;  of  an  Advocate  with  the 
Father,  who  ever  lives  to  make  intercession  for  us,  and 
of  a  Saviour,  in  whom  it  has  pleased  thee,  that  all  ful- 
ness should  dwell. 

Produce  in  us,  all  the  feelings  of  those  who  are  blessed 
with  repentance  unto  life.  Give  us  that  ftiith  by  which 
we  can  be  justified  from  all  things,  and  have  peace  with 
God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  To  the  Redeemer's 
cross  may  we  retreat,  and  there  find  security  and  relief, 
refreshment  and  delight.  Assure  us  of  an  interest  in  thy 
favour,  which  is  life;  and  clothe  us  with  thine  image, 
which  is  the  beauty  and  dignity  of  the  soul. 

We  bless  thee  for  thy  word,  which  we  have  been 
reading.  May  it  dwell  in  us  richly  in  all  wisdom.  May 
we  yield  a  suitable  attention  to  its  various  parts.  May 
we  make  it,  not  only  our  song  in  the  house  of  our  pil- 
grimage, but  the  man  of  our  counsel,  a  light  unto  our 
feet,  and  a  lamp  unto  our  paths.  May  we  take  it  along 
with,  us,  into  all  the  concerns  of  life ;  and  whether  we 
are  rich  or  poor,  whether  we  are  parents  or  children, 
whether  we  are  appointed  to  govern  or  serve,  may  we 


FIRST   WEEK.  77 

walk  by  this  rule,  that  mercy  and  peace  may  be  upon 
us. 

May  we  ever  be  -willing  that  the  Lord  should  choose 
our  inlieritance  for  us,  and  readily  and  piously  accom- 
modate ourselves  to  the  dispensations  of  thy  providence. 
May  we  never  lean  to  our  own  understanding :  may  we 
never  take  a  step,  without  asking  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
nor  be  unwilling  to  take  one,  at  the  intimation  of  thy 
pleasure.  May  we  never  think  that  thou  art  less  wise, 
and  righteous,  and  good,  in  a  cloudy  and  dark  day,  than 
in  a  shining  one ;  when  we  cannot  trace  thee,  may  we 
trust ;  and  walking  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight,  be  fully 
persuaded,  that  just  and  right  are  all  thy  ways,  0  thou 
King  of  saints. 

Regard  those,  who,  under  the  pressure  of  affliction,  ore 
saying.  Brethren  pray  for  us.  Be  with  them  in  trouble. 
Thou  knowest  the  anxieties  of  thy  people,  lest  by  any  of 
their  temper  or  carriage  in  the  evil  day,  they  should  in- 
jure the  religion  they  profess:  let  thy  grace  be  si^fficient 
for  them :  let  faith  and  patience  have  their  perfect  work : 
let  them  glorify  thee  in  all  their  trials. 

Bless  all  in  authority  over  us,  and  so  rule  their  hearts 
and  strengthen  their  hands,  that  they  may  punish  wicked- 
ness and  vice,  and  maintain  true  religion  and  virtue. 

May  all  those  who  are  placed  above  others  in  condi- 
tion, go  before  them  in  the  profession  of  truth  and  the 
practice  of  holiness,  and  be  examples  to  all  inferior  ranks 
in  society. 

*We  now  commit  ourselves  to  thy  merciful  protection 
for  this  night.  May  we  lie  down  to  rest,  at  peace  with 
th^e,  and  with  all  the  world.  Forgive,  we  humbly  pray 
thee,  all  the  sins  we  may  have  committed  this  day.  What- 
ever we  have  done  or  said  amiss,  do  thou  pardon.  If  in 
our  intercourse  with  our  friends  or  foes  we  have  mani- 
fested a  spirit  unlike  that  of  thy  dear  Son,  do  thou  be 
graciously  pleased  to  forgive  it.  If  we  have  neglected 
our  duty  to  the  poor,  or  the  needy ;  if  we  have  failed  in 
Betting  a  holy  example  before  each  other;  if  we  have  had 
improper  feelings  towards  thee  or  our  fellow  men,  we 

g2 


78  FIKST    WEEK. 

pray  thee  to  forgive  us.  Sprinkle  upon  us  that  blood 
which  cleanseth  from  all  sin ;  and  take  us  into  thy  holy 
care  and  keeping.  Let  no  plagu-e  come  nigh  our  dwell- 
ing. Preserve  us  from  sickness  and  sudden  death; 
from  alarm,  and  from  the  devouring  element;  from  the 
pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness,  as  thou  hast  done 
from  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon-day.  And 
raise  us  in  the  morning,  fitted  for  all  the  duties  and 
events  of  another  day.  These  mercies,  and  •whatever 
else  we  need,  we  humbly  ask  in  the  name  of  thy  dear 
Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom,  with  thee,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  praise,  both  now  and 
for  ever.*     Amen. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.  Jai/. 

Our  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morning,  0  Lord :  in 
the  morning  will  we  direct  our  prayer  unto  thee,  0  thou 
Most  High !  How  does  it  become  us  to  be  thankful ! 
Many,  during  the  past  night,  have  had  no  place  whore 
to  lay  their  head.  Many,  the  victims  of  disease,*  have 
been  full  of  tossing  to  and  fro,  until  the  dawning  of  the 
day;  so  that  their  bed  has  not  comforted  them,  nor  their 
couch  eased  their  complaint.  Many  have  beien  deprived 
of  rest  while  watching  over  their  connexions  in  pain  and 
sorrow.  How  many  have  slept  the  sleep  of  death,  and 
will  not  wake  till  the  heavens  are  no  more !  Others, 
whose  lives  are  prolonged,  have  risen  to  be  surrounded 
with  want  and  wo :  and  thousands,  who  have  all  tilings 
richly  to  enjoy,  have  risen  to  enjoy  another  day  witho'ut 
God  in  the  world. 

And  why  is  not  this  the  case  with  us  ?  Thou,  0  God, 
hast  remembered,  and  distinguiished,  and  indulged  us. 
Bless  the  Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us 
bless  his  holy  name.  0  magnify  the  Lord,  and  let  ua 
exalt  his  name  together. 

And  thy  mercies  have  been  new  every  morning,  yea, 
every  moment.    All  our  desires  have  not  been  gratified ; 


FIRST  WEEK.  79 

but  it  was  love  that  denied  us,  when  the  accomplishment 
of  our  wishes  would  have  proved  our  ruin  or  our  injury ; 
we  have  had  our  trials,  but  they  have  been  few  compared 
with  our  sins ;  they  have  been  attended  with  numberless 
alleviations. 

Thou  hast  often  wiped  away  our  tears ;  and  restored 
peace  to  thy  mourners.  Thou  hast  never  chastened  us 
but  for  our  profit ;  we  already  see  the  design  of  many 
of  our  griefs,  and  can  say,  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have 
been  afflicted ;  and  in  all  other  cases  where  darkness  yet 
clouds  the  dispensation,  we  desire  to  walk  by  faith.  We 
believe  that  thou  hast  done  all  things  well,  and  that  thy 
work  is  perfect. 

'  But,  0  what  do  we  owe  thee  for  the  word  of  thy  truth 
— the  throne  of  thy  grace — the  Son  of  thy  love — thy  un- 
speakable gift ;  what  do  we  owe  thee,  that  we  have  any 
reason  to  hope  that  we  are  in  Christ,  and  free  from  all 
condemnation ;  and  that  when  he,  who  is  our  life,  shall 
appear,  we  shall  also  appear  with  him  in  glory,  and  be 
forever  with  the  Lord  ! 

Surely,  gratitude  becomes  us  that  will  not  evaporate 
in  a  morning  acknowledgment  with  the  lip,  but  such  as 
will  keep  us  in  the  fe«,r  of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long, 
and  lead  us  to  ask.  What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits  towards  me  ?  We  therefore,  by  the 
mercies  of  God,  present  our  bodies  a  living  sacrifice, 
holy  and  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable 
service. 

And  now,  0  thou  Author  of  all  good,  we  come  to  thee 
for  the  grace  another  day  will  require  —  the  grace  its 
duties  and  events  will  require  ;  for  we  know  not  when  we 
leave  our  apartments  in  the  morning,  what  a  day  will 
bring  forth.  But  we  know  that  we  are  stepping  into  a 
wicked  world,  and  that  we  carry  about  us  an  evil  heart : 
we  know  that  without  thee  we  can  do  nothing :  and  we 
know  that  there  is  nothing  Avith  which  we  shall  have  any 
concern  in  the  day,  however  harmless  in  itself,  but  may 
prove  an  occasion  of  sinning  and  falling,  unless  we  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God.     We,  therefore,  desire  to 


80  FIRST   WEEK. 

commit  ourselves  into  thy  holy  keeping.  Hold  thou  us 
up,  and  Ave  shall  be  safe.  Preserve  our  understandings 
from  tlie  subtlety  of  error;  our  affections  from  the  love 
of  idols ;  our  senses  from  the  ungovernable  impressions 
of  outward  objects ;  our  character  from  every  stain  of 
vice,  and  our  profession  from  every  appearance  of  evil : 
and  may  the  God  of  peace  sanctify  us  wholly ;  and  may 
our  whole  spirit,  soul,  and  body,  be  preserved  blameless 
unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Chr-ist. 

May  we  engage  in  nothing  on  which  we  cannot  im- 
plore thy  blessing,  and  to  which  we  cannot  welcome  thy 
inspection.  Prosper  us  in  our  lawful  undertakings,  or 
prepare  us  for  disappointment.  Give  us  neither  poverty 
nor  riches.  Feed  us  with  food  convenient  for  us,  lest 
we  be  full  and  deny  thee,  and  say.  Who  is  the  Lord  ? 
or  lest  we  be  poor,  and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  our 
God  in  vain. 

jNIay  every  creature  be  good  to  us,  being  sanctified  by 
the  word  of  God  and  prayer.  Teach  us  how  to  use  the 
world  as  not  abusing  it.  Enable  us  to  improve  our 
talents,  and  to  redeem  our  time.  May  we  walk  in  wis- 
dom towards  them  that  are  without,  and  in  kindness 
towards  them  that  are  within ;  and  do  good  as  we  have 
opportunity  unto  all  men,  especially  unto  them  that  are 
of  the  household  of  faith. 

And  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling,  and 
to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory 
with  exceeding  joy :  to  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour, 
be  glory,  and  majesty,  dominion,  and  power,  both  now 
and  ever.     Amen, 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  Jay. 

0  God,  thy  command  and  thy  promise,  our  duty  and 
our  privilege,  induce  us  to  avail  ourselves  of  every  op- 
portunity of  approaching  the  throne  of  thy  grace.  Wo 
are  poor  and  helpless  and  needy.  It  is  not  in  the  power 
of  men  and  angels  to  reach  our  cause ;  and  afford  us  tho 


FIRST   WEEK.  81 

blessings  we  so  mucli  need,  and  so  much  desire.  Our 
only  hope  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  God,  who  made 
heaven  and  earth. 

But  thou  art  over  all ;  and  rich  unto  all  that  call  upon 
thee ;  and  thou  Lord  hast  not  forsaken  them  thaft  seek 
thee.  We  love  to  reflect  upon  the  displays  of  thy  per- 
fections; and  to  contemplate,  what  thou  hast  done  for 
others  as  poor  and  destitute,  as  sinful  and  guilty,  as  we 
are;  and  to  remember  that  thy  hand  is  not  shortened 
that  it  cannot  save,  nor  thy  ear  heavy  that  it  cannot 
hear. 

Behold  a  company  of  guilty  suppliants  at  thy  footstool. 
0,  thou  God  of  all  grace,  work  thou  in  us  to  will  and  to 
do  of  thy  good  pleasure ;  and  vile  as  we  are  in  ourselves, 
make  us  an  eternal  excellency,  the  joy  of  many  genera- 
tions. Our  understandings  are  darkened.  Our  hearts  are 
hearts  of  stone.  Our  very  conscience  also  is  defiled.  Our 
affections  are  earthly  and  sensual.  Open  thou  the  eyes  of 
our  understanding.  Give  us  hearts  of  flesh.  Purify  our 
consciences  from  dead  works  to  serve  the  living  God. 
Set  our  Affections  on  things  that  are  above :  and  as  he 
who  has  called  us  is  holy,  so  may  we  also  be  holy  in  all 
manner  of  conversation  and  godliness. 

Deliver  us  from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  and  bring 
us  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  thy  children:  that  being 
made  free  from  sin,  and  become  servants  unto  God,  we 
may  have  our  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  our  end  everlasting 
life.  , 

Preserve  us  from  all  self-delusion,  especially  where 

our  souls  are  concerned.     May  we  never  be  flattered 

by  the  good  opinion  of  our  fellow-creatures,  against  the 

convictions  of  our  own  consciences;  but  remember,  that 

if  our  hearts  condemn  us,  God  is  greater  than  our  hearts, 

and  knoweth  all  things.    May  we  never  substitute  mere 

opinions,  and  outward  forms  and  ceremonies,  in  the  room 

of  that  grace,  which  renews  the  soul  and  sanctifies  the  life. 

Fiver  keep  alive  in  our  minds  the  belief,  that  in  Christ 

Jesus,  neither  circumcision  availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncir- 

cumcision,  but  a  new  creature :  and  in  the  examinations 
4  * 


82  FIRST  WEEK. 

of  our  religious  state  and  character,  may  we  look  after  • 
that  kingdom,  which  is  not  meat  and  drink,  but  right- 
eousness, and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Inspire  us  with  a  well-grounded  hope  of  being,  one 
day,  presented  before  the  presence  of  thy  glory,  when 
we  shall  see  thee  without  obscurity,  approach  thee  with- 
out sin,  serve  thee  without  imperfection,  and  enjoy  thee 
without  sorrow.  How  remote  now  do  we  often  feel  from 
this  exalted  state !  And  how  improbable  does  it  fre- 
quently seem  that  we  should  ever  attain  it !  We  have 
never  yet  been  better  than  a  bruised  reed,  and  a  smoking 
flax:  and  thy  patience  alone  could  have  borne  with  our 
imperfections  and  perverseness.  Yet  we  trust  the  root 
of  the  matter  is  found  in  us ;  and  we  bless  thee,  if  thy 
grace — by  which  alone  we  are  what  we  are,  has  caused 
us  to  loathe  sin,  and  abhor  ourselves,  and  to  hunger  and 
thirst  after  righteousness,  and  to  place  our  happiness  in 
serving  and  enjoying  thee. 

And  we  pray,  that  our  path  may  be  as  a  shining  light, 
that  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day.  Com- 
plete that  which  is  lacking  in  our  faith.  Lead  us  into 
all  truth ;  and  establish  our  hearts  with  grace.  Fill  our 
minds  with  the  sublime  and  elevating  objects  of  revela- 
tion, that  worldly  things  may  find  there  no  room :  and 
keep  near  us,  all  the  affecting  and  awful  motives  of  the 
gospel,  that  we  may  not  be  able  to  sin, — the  view  of 
tliine  all-seeing  eye,  a  burning  world,"  a  judgment  to  come, 
and  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  the  Lord  make  us,  also,  to  increase  and  abound 
in  love,  one  towards  another,  and  towards  all  men.  Lot 
all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger,  and  clamour,  and 
evil  speaking,  be  put  away  from  us,  with  all  malice ;  and 
may  we  be  kind,  one  towards  another,  tender  hearted; 
forgiving  one  another,  even  as  God,  for  Christ's  sake, 
hath  forgiven  us. 

Prepare  us  for  all  the  duties  and  trials  that  lie  before  us. 
We  bless  thee  for  thy  promises,  whicli  provide  against 
every  want  we  feel;  and  for  every  condition  in  vhich 
we  can  be  found.     In  God  will  we  praise  his  wul      In 


FIRST  WEEK.  83 

God  have  we  put  our  trust.  "We  will  not  fear  what  flesh 
can  do  unto  us.  Thou  tellest  our  wanderings.  Put  thou 
our  tears  into  thy  bottle.     Are  they  not  in  thy  book  ? 

We  commend  ourselves  with  all  our  relations  and 
friends,  this  evening,  to  thy  forgiving  mercy,  and  provi- 
dential care.  0  Thou,  that  givest  thy  beloved  sleep,  in- 
dulge us  Avith  refreshing  repose  :  or  if  thou  boldest  our 
eyes  waking  in  the  night,  may  thy  song  be  with  us,  and 
our  prayer  unto  the  God  of  our  life.  Guide  us  by  thy 
counsel,  through  life,  and  afterward  receive  us  to  glory. 

And  to  the  onlj^  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory,  and 
majesty,  dominion  and  power,  for  evet  and  ever.    Amen. 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  Jat/. 

0  Thou  King  eternal,  immortal,  and  invisible  —  we 
would  adore  thee,  and  take  shame  to  ourselves :  and 
though  allowed  to  approach  thy  divine  majesty,  we 
would  never  forget  the  sentiments  of  humiliation  and 
contrition,  which  become  such  creatures  as  we  'are. 
Father  !  we  have  sinned  against  heaven  and  in  thy  sight, 
and  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  thy  children  :  we  are  not 
worthy  of  the  least  of  all  thy  mercies.  Yea,  we  have 
merited  thy  displeasure  ;  and  thy  righteousness  would  be 
completely  acquitted  in  our  destruction. 

0,  for  hearts  of  flesh  !  Lord,  produce  in  us  that  sen- 
sibility of  soul,  which  will  lead  us  to  feel  ourTileness,  to 
deplore  our  guilt,  and  to  cast  ourselves  at  thy  feet,  ab- 
horring ourselves  and  repenting  in  dust  and  ashes.  And 
impart  to  us  that  faith,  which  will  enable  us  to  hope  in 
thy  word,  and  derive  strong  consolation  from  the  invita- 
tions and  promises  of  the  gospel.  We  are  come  to  im- 
plore the  greatest  blessings  the  God  of  love  can  give  :  we 
are  come  to  call  thee,  Abba  Father ;  to  enter  thy  house  ; 
to  sit  down  at  thy  table ;  to  lean  on  thy  arm ;  to  walk 
with  God  ;  but  we  are  not  come  unbidden  or  uncalled : 
Thou  hast  called  us  by  thy  grace ;  and  it  is  thy  com- 
mandment that  we  should  believe  on  the  name  of  thy 


84  FIRST  WEEK. 

Son,  Jesus  Christ.  Lord,  we  assent,  we  submit,  we  de- 
pend, we  apply.  Since  he  came  into  the  world  to  save 
sinners,  we  take  him  as  our  Saviour ;  and  glory  in  him, 
as  made  to  us  wisdom  and  righteousness,  sanctification 
and  i-edemption. 

And  0,  may  our  minds  be  fixed  and  filled  with  ad- 
miring thoughts  of  his  person  and  offices ;  may  our  hearts 
be  inflamed  with  a  sense  of  his  boundless  compassion  and 
love.  By  the  new  and  living  way  which  he  has  not  only 
revealed  but  consecrated  for  us,  may  we  come  to  thee ; 
and  enjoy  all  the  advantages  of  a  state  of  reconciliation 
and  friendship  with  God.  May  the  most  open  and  fa- 
miliar intercourse  be  maintained  between  thee  and  our 
souls.  To  thee  may  we  commit  our  way  and  our  works  ; 
and  in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  make 
known  our  requests  unto  God  ;  and  be  thou  always  near, 
to  guide  us  and  to  defend ;  to  relieve  us  in  trouble,  and 
to  help  us  in  duty.  And  may  we  walk  humbly  with  our 
God  ;  wondering  at  the  condescension,  that  deigns  to  re- 
gard our  mean  afiairs ;  the  patience,  that  bears  with  our 
manners  ;  and  the  kindness,  that  employs  so  many  means 
to  advance  our  everlasting  welfare. 

We  grieve  to  think,  that  a  world  so  full  of  thy  bounty, 
should  be  so  empty  of  thy  praise.  0,  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men.  Bless  the  Lord,  all  hia 
works,  in  all  places  of  his  dominion ;  bless  the  Lord,  0 
my  soul. 

Again  thy  visitation  hath  preserved  our  spirits. 
Through  the  dark  and  silent  watches  of  the  night,  thou 
hast  sufi"ered  no  evil  to  befall  us,  nor  any  plague  to  come 
nigh  our  dwelling.  And  we  are  not  only  the  living  to 
praise  thee,  this  morning,  but  the  distinguished,  and  the 
indulged.  Many  who  have  seen  the  light  of  the  day,  aa 
well  as  ourselves,  are  encompassed  with  want,  and  pain, 
and  wretchedness ;  but  we  have  all  things  richly  to  enjoy. 

Thou  takest  pleasure  in  the  prosperity  of  thy  servants ; 
may  w£  always  take  pleasure  in  the  advancement  of  thy 
glory <     Thou  art  never  weary  in  doing  us  good ;  may 


FIRST  WEEK.  85 

we  never  groy/  weary  in  well  doing.  Thy  mercies  are 
new  every  morning ;  every  morning,  by  thy  mercies, 
may  we  present  our  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  and 
acceptable,  which  is  our  reasonable  service. 

And  to  the  God  of  our  salvation,  the  Father,  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  ascribed,  the  kingdom,  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  Jai/. 

0  God,  thou  hast  made,  and  thou  upholdest  all  things 
by  the  word  of  thy  power.  Darkness  is  thy  pavilion. 
Thou  walkest  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind.  All  nations 
before  thee  are  as  nothing.  One  generation  passeth  away, 
and  another  cometh ;  and  we  are  hastening  back  to  the 
dust  from  whence  we  were  taken.  The  heavens  we  be 
hold  will  vanish  away  like  the  cloud  that  covers  them ; 
and  the  earth  we  tread  will  dissolve  like  a  morning 
dream;  but  thou  art,  from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 
God  over  all,  unchangeably  the  same,  and  thy  years 
shall  not  fail. 

Infinitely  great  and  glorious  as  thou  art,  we  are  thy 
offspring  and  thy  care.  Thy  hands  have  made  us  and 
fashioned  us.  Thou  hast  watched  over  us  with  more 
than  parental  tenderness.  Thou  hast  holden  our  soul  in 
life,  and  not  suffered  our  feet  to  be  moved.  Thy  divine 
power  has  given  us  all  things,  not  only  necessary  for 
life,  but  godliness.  Bless  the  Lord,  0,  our  souls,  and 
forget  not  all  his  benefits ;  who  forgiveth  all  our  iniqui- 
ties; who  healeth  all  our  diseases;  who  redeemeth  our 
lives  from  destruction ;  who  crowneth  us  with  loving 
kindness  and  tender  mercies;  who  satisfieth  our  mouth 
with  good  things,  so  that  our  youth  is  renewed  like  the 
eagles'. 

We  raise  this  evening  a  fresh  memorial,  and  inscribe 
it  to  the  God  of  our  salvation.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord 
helped  us.  We  have  passed,  not  only  through  another 
day,  but  through  another  week.     The  sun  has  not  smit- 

H 


86  FIRST  WEEK. 

ten  us  by  day,  nor  the  moon  l3y  niglit.  We  have  been 
preserved  in  our  going  out,  and  coming  in.  But  thine 
has  been  the  vigilance,  that  turned  aside  the  evils  which 
threatened  us.  Thine  have  been  the  supplies  that  have 
nourished  us.  Thine  the  comforts  that  have  indulged 
us.  Thine  the  relations  and  friends  that  have  delighted 
us.  Thine  have  been  the  means  of  grace  which  have 
edified  us;  and  thine  the  book,  which,  amidst  all  our  en- 
joyments, has  told  us,  that  this  is  not  our  rest;  and  in 
all  our  successes,  that  one  thing  is  yet  needful. 

Nothing  can  equal  the  number  of  thy  mercies,  but  our 
imperfections  and  sins.  These,  0  God,  we  would  not 
conceal,  or  palliate;  but  confess  them,  with  a  broken 
heart  and  a  contrite  spirit. 

In  what  a  condition  would  we  be  this  evening,  were 
it  not  for  the  assurance  that  there  is  forgiveness  with 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  be  feared,  and  with  thee  plenteous 
redemption.  Yet,  while  we  hope  for  pardon  through 
the  blood  of  the  cross,  we  pray  to  be  clothed  with  humi- 
lity ;  to  be  quickened  in  thy  way ;  and  to  be  more  de- 
voted to  the  things  that  belong  to  our  everlasting  peace. 

How  soon  has  the  week  rolled  away !  Its  days  have 
fled  like  a  dream,  a  vo.pour,  a  shadow.  So  will  all  our 
days  flee;  so  will  they  all  appear  when  the  end  arrives. 
0,  help  us  to  keep  that  end  in  remembrance ;  and  en- 
deavour to  view  things  now,  as  they  will  appear  from 
the  borders  of  the  grave.  May  we  know  how  frail  we 
are,  that  we  may  be  cured  of  the  folly  of  delay  and  in- 
decision; and  so  number  our  days,  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

May  we  call  the  approaching  Sabbath  a  delight,  the 
holy  of  the  Lord,  honourable ;  and  may  we  honour  thee, 
in  not  doing  our  own  ways,  nor  finding  our  own  plea- 
Burcs,  nor  speaking  our  own  Avords.  May  the  private 
moments  of  the  day,  be  sacred;  and  the  social — inno- 
cent and  edifying.  And  may  we  keep  our  foot,  when 
we  go  to  the  house  of  God,  and  off"er  not  the  sacrifice  of 
fools.  Let  us  not  go  as  they  go,  and  sit  as  they  sit,  and 
hear  thy  words,  but  do  them  not. 


FIRST    WEEK.  87 

Preserve  us  from  trifling  with  the  things  of  the  soul 
and  ete?ftity,  or  trusting  in  those  privileges,  which  un- 
improved, will  only  augment  our  guilt  and  our  misery. 

Thy  people,  the  Jews,  were  distinguished  by  thy  fa- 
vours, above  all  the  families  of  the  earth;  but  wrath 
came  upon  them  to  the  uttermost.  The  churches  of 
Asia  provoked  thee  to  remove  the  candlestick  out  of  its 
place  ;  and  they  were  left  in  darkness.  We  have  awful 
examples  still  nearer.  How  many,  who  once  heard  and 
professed  the  gospel,  have  been  turned  by  the  abuse  of 
it  into  apostates  and  infidels,  blasphemers  and  persecu- 
tors ;  ten-fold  more  the  children  of  hell  than  before ; 
while  numbers,  who  yet  maintain  the  form  of  godliness, 
are  too  hardened  to  feel  the  power  of  it. 

While,  therefore,  we  go  to  thy  house  in  the  multi- 
tude of  thy  mercies,  may  we  in  thy  fear  worship  towards 
thy  holy  temple  ;  for  thou  art  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the 
assembly  of  the  saints.  0,  let  us  not  perish  under 
means  designed  to  save  us.  0,  let  not  the  savour  of  life 
unto  life,  prove  to  us  only  the  savour  of  death  unto 
death. 

Make  the  place  of  thy  feet  glorious.  Bring  us  to  thy 
holy  mountain,  and  if  we  are  not  made  joyful  in  thy 
house  of  prayer,  convince  us,  alarm  us,  humble  us,  ban- 
ish the  spirit  of  the  world  from  our  hearts,  and  fill  us 
with  all  the  fulness  of  God. 

So  we  thy  people,  and  the  sheep  of  thy  pasture,  will 
give  thee  thanks  forever,  we  will  show  forth  thy  praise 
throughout  all  generations.     Amen. 


g8  SECOND    WEEK. 


SECOND  VIIlIiK, 


SABBATH  MORNING.  Jenks, 

0  MOST  blessed  .and  gracious  Lord  our  God,  whoso 

almighty  hand  has  brought  us  out  of  nothing,  to  what 

we  are ;  to  see  the  light,  and  enjoy  the  comforts  of  life ; 

and  whose  free  grace  has  called  us  out  of  a  state  of  sin 

and  ruin,  to  the  hope  of  thy  heavenly  glory !    We  bless 

thy  name,  that  thou  hast  conducted  us  safe,  through  all 

states  and  events,  and  through  all  the  trials  and  troubles 

in  our  lives,  to  see  the  comfortable  light  of  this  day  ;  and 

that  Ave  have  yet  a  day  of  grace  wherein  to  attend  to  the 

thing's  belonging  to  our  peace.    We  bless  thee  that  thou 

hast  consulted  the  good  of  our  souls,  as  well  as  the  glory 

of  thy  name,  in  setting  apart  this  day  for  holy  uses,  to 

engage  us  to  a  solemn  attendance  upon  the  Lord ;  in 

whose  service  consists  all  our  honour  and  happiness.    0 

how  much  higher  might  avc  have  been  in  grace,  and  thy 

'  blessed  favour — how  much  nearer  to  thee  our  God,  and 

fitter  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  had  we  rightly  used, 

and  conscientiously  improved  those  seasons  and  means 

of  grace,  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  put  into  our 

hands,  for  the  best  advantage  of  our  souls. 

But  we  have  been  unkind  and  cruel  to  our  own  souls, 
as  well  as  disobedient  and  rebellious  against  our  Lord ; 
many  times  frustrating  the  opportunities  of  appearing 
before  thee ;  shunning  and  neglecting  the  duties  of  thy 
holy  service ;  and  even  when  we  have  set  ourselves  to 
seek  thy  face,  it  has  been  with  such  coldness,  and  dul- 
ncss,  and  distraction,  that  thou  mightost  justly  aldior  our 
^ souls,  despise  our  prayers,  for  any  thing  that  there  i^  in 
us  or  them,  to  recommend  us  to  thy  blessed  favour  and 
acceptance. 

But  be  thou  pleased  to  look  upon  us  in  the  Son  of  thy 


SECOND  WEEK.  89 

fove,  the  Lord  our  peace  and  righteousness ;  and  forgive 
us  all  that  is  past  wherein  we  have  neglected  thy  work, 
or  ill-performed  it,  or  done  what  is  inconsistent  with  it. 
Holp  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  and  deliver  us  from  the 
burden  of  our  guilt ;  and  purge  away  all  our  sins  for  the 
glory  of  thy  name ;  that  they  may  not  stand  as  a  parti- 
tion-wall, to  hinder  the  desire  of  our  souls  from  ascend- 
ing up  to  thee ;  nor  hinder  the  light  of  thy  countenance 
from  descending  upon  us.  But  let  thy  peace,  and  love, 
and  favour  shine  on  our  souls ;  that  we  may  see  the 
felicity  of  thy  chosen,  and  with  joy  draw  water  out  of 
the  wells  of  salvation. 

0  let  us  not  rest  in  any  forms  of  godliness,  denying 
the  power  thereof;  nor  take  up  with  the  name  and  show, 
and  the  profession  of  Christianity,  but  be  swayed  with 
its  life,  and  power  and  spirit;  that  the  gospel  of  our 
Lord,  and  the  graces  of  the  good  Spirit  of  God  may  shine 
forth  in  our  lives,  to  the  glory  of  thee  our  heavenly 
Father ;  and  to  the  adorning  of  the  doctrine  of  God  our 
Saviour  in  all  things.  0  gracious  God,  be  with  us,  and 
with  all  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy  holy  things, 
who  are  this  day  to  speak  thy  word  to  thy  people :  and 
furnish  them  with  abilities  suitable  to  their  great  work, 
that  they  may  fitly  apply  themselves  to  the  capacities, 
and  to  the  necessities  of  their  several  hearers.  And 
grant.  Lord,  unto  us,  and  unto  all  the  hearers  of  thy 
holy  word,  humble  and  teachable  spirits ;  to  receive  thy 
truth  in  meekness,  and  in  the  love  of  it,  so  as  to  profit 
and  grow  by  it.  0  do  thou  remove  all  the  hinderancea 
to  our  spiritual  growth  and  improvement,  that  thy  word 
may  have  free  course,  and  be  glorified  among  us.  And 
let  us  this  day  go  forth  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  God ; 
and  prosper  and  increase  with  the  increase  of  God,  by 
thy  grace  and  blessing  accompanying  our  desires  and 
endeavours ;  till  from  serving  thee  imperfectly  here  upon 
earth,  we  may  attain  to  glorify  and  enjoy  thee,  our  God, 
in  the  perfection  of  holiness,  and  in  those  everlasting 
joys  and  glories  of  thy  kingdom,  which  thDU  hast  pre- 
pared  for  them  that  love  thee. 

II  2 


90  SECOND   WEEK. 

*Atten(l,  we  beseech  thee,  with  thy  gracious  help,  all 
the  endeavours  that  shall  this  day  be  made  to  promote 
the  honour  of  thy  holy  name.  Revive  pure  religion  in 
all  the  churches  of  the  Lord  Jesus  in  this  land,  .md 
throughout  the  Christian  world ;  and  graciously  extend 
thy  kingdom  over  other  people ;  and  bring  distant  na- 
tions to  the  knowledge  of  thy  Son.  Wherever  amidst 
any  people  thy  work  may  be  commenced,  wilt  thou 
deepen  and  extend  it.  Wilt  thou  there  this  day  especially 
bless  thy  truth,  and  upon  those  churches  which  are  cold 
or  lukewarm  in  thy  service,  wilt  thou  send  down  thj 
Holy  Spirit,  that  they  may  awake  to  newness  of  life 
and  that  thy  power  may  there  be  seen  in  the  conversion 
of  sinners.  Do  thou  mercifully  restrain  and  reform  the 
violators  of  the  Holy  Sabbath,  and  give  them  better 
minds  and  a  due  regard  for  thy  holy  laws.  Be  merci- 
ful to  the  profligate  and  profane.  May  they  be  inclined 
to  reverence  thy  holy  name.  And  may  all  classes  and 
conditions  of  men  be  brought  under  the  influence  of  re- 
ligion, and  the  time  soon  come  when  on  this  thy  day,  the 
offerings  of  the  whole  Avorld,  converted  unto  thee,  shall 
come  up  on  thine  altars,  and  the  entire  race  praise  and 
adore  thee  for  the  riches  of  redeemmg  mercy.* 

And  let  thy  grace  and  blessing,  thy  love  and  fellow- 
ship, thy  direction  and  assistance,  0  Heavenly  Father, 
Son  and  Holy  Spirit,  be  with  us  and  Avith  all  whom  we 
ought  to  beg  thy  mercy  for  in  our  prayers,  this  day,  and 
for  evermore.     Amen. 


SABBATHDAY  EVENING.  JenJcs 

Holy  God,  we  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our 
very  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags;  nor  can  we  ever 
hope  to  be  justified  in  thy  sight,  upon  account  of  any 
works  or -worth  of  our  own;  for  l)y  our  own  hearts  and 
deeds  we  are  reproved  and  condeiunc<l,  and  should  be 
left  speechless  in  thy  judgment,  if  thou,  0  Lord,  shouldst 
call  us  to  account,  according  to  even  our  best  services 


SECOND  WEEK.  91 

Bid  we  desire  to  take  refuge  and  sanctuary  under  the 
shadow  of  our  crucified  Saviour ;  and  to  be  found  in  him, 
not  having  on  our  own  righteousness,  but  that  which  is  by 
the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  that  all  our  sinful  deformities 
may  be  hid  from  thine  eyes ;  that  thou  mayest  forgive 
us  mercifully,  and  receive  us  graciously,  and  love  us 
freely  in  the  Son  of  thy  love,  in  whom  thou  art  well 
pleased. 

Command  a  blessing,  we  pray  thee,  0  Lord,  upon  the 
word,  which  this  day  we  have  heard,  and  upon  all  the 
means  of  grace  that  have  been  used  for  the  good  of  our 
Bouls.  It  is  not  of  him  that  planteth,  nor  of  him  that 
watereth,  but  of  thee,  our  God,  who  giveth  the  increase. 
0  be  thou  pleased  to  attend  the  preaching  of  thy  word 
with  the  powerful  influences  of  thy  grace  and  Holy  Spirit ; 
that  it  may  be  the  savour  of  life  to  our  souls,  and  the 
power  of  God  to  our  salvation. 

*And  we  especially  beseech  of  thee,  Almighty  Father, 
that  thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  follow  with  thy  blessing  the 
instructions  imparted  this  day  in  Sunday  schools.  May 
the  truths  of  thy  holy  word  be  deeply  impressed  on  the 
minds  of  children,  and  may  they  grow  up  in  the  know- 
ledge and  love  of  Jesus  Christ  the  Saviour.  May  those 
truths  so  influence  their  minds  and  hearts,  as  to  guide 
and  comfort  them  in  all  the  journey  of  life.  Grant,  0 
Lord,  that  as  they  advance  in  years  they  may  evince  the 
benefits  of  the  instruction  received  in  Sabbath  shools; 
and  that  this  generation  may  be  trained  up  devoted  to 
thy  cause,  and  prepared  to  promote  thy  glory,  when 
their  parents  and  teachers  shall  have  descended  to  the 
tomb. 

Will  the  God  of  grace  be  also  pleased  to  bless  all  Sun- 
day school  teachers.  Let  their  hearts  be  comforted  by 
seeing  thy  work  prosper  in  their  hands.  In  their  own 
souls  may  they  experience  the  reward  of  their  self-de- 
nials and  toils ;  and  in  thine  everlasting  kingdom  may 
they  at  last  be  admitted  to  a  seat  at  thy  right  hand 
with  thousands  saved  by  the  instrumentality  of  Sabbath 
schools.* 


92  SECOND  WEEK. 

Supply  the  want  of  thy  public  ordinances,  we  beseech 
thee,  by  the  immediate  teachings  of  thy  good  Spirit,  to 
all  such  as  through  any  unavoidable  impediments  are 
kept  from  them ;  and  continue  to  us,  0  gracious  Lord, 
the  light  of  thy  gospel,  and  all  the  happy  opportunities 
which  we  enjoy  for  our  souls'  advantage.  And  preserve 
us  also,  by  thy  grace,  from  the  curse  of  barrenness,  under 
all  thy  holy  means  and  abundant  mercies.  That  they 
may  not,  therefore,  hereafter  rise  up  in  judgment  against 
us,  0  make  them  now  efficacious  to  us ;  and  write  thy 
laws  in  our  hearts,  and  cause  them  to  accomplish  all  the 
purposes  of  thy  grace  in  our  souls,  and  to  shine  forth 
with  a  convincing  splendour  in  our  lives ;  to  make  us 
every  way  such  as  thou  wouldst  have  us. 

And  now  we  give  thanks,  as  we  are  infinitely  bound, 
to  thee,  0  Lord  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  for  the  mer- 
cies of  this  day ;  and  for  thy  great  mercy  and  goodness 
that  has  hitherto  followed  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives. 
0  how  Avonderful  is  thy  patience  and  long-suffering,  that 
thou  shouldst  all  day  long  stretch  forth  thy  hands  to  a 
rebellious  and  gainsaying  people  !  And  how  unwearied 
thy  kindness  and  love,  that  we  still  enjoy  so  many  com- 
forts with  our  lives.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  0  most 
merciful  Father,  that  thou  hast  defended  us  from  so  many 
dangers  in  our  lives,  which  threatened  to  destroy  us ; 
and  delivered  us  out  of  so  many  troubles,  under  which 
we  should  have  sunk  and  perished,  if  thou  hadst  not 
been  nigh  to  us,  and  done  great  things  for  us.  We  bless 
thee  for  our  health  and  plenty,  peace  and  liberty ;  for 
the  use  of  our  reason,  limbs  and  senses  ;  for  tlic  kindness 
of  friends,  and  safety  from  our  enemies  ;  for  the  benefits 
and  refreshments  of  society,  and  the  success  and  pros- 
perity of  our  aflairs  here  in  the  world.  But  above  all, 
we  bless  thee  for  the  mercies  and  blessings  relating  to 
tlie  world  to  come  ;  for  Jesus  Christ,  and  all  spiritual 
\)lessings  in  heavenly  things  in  him  tending  to  the  salva- 
tion of  our  souls ;  for  remembering  us  in  our  low  estate, 
and  sending  eternal  redemption  to  us  by  the  hands  of 
thy  dear  Son ;  for  the  light  and  direction  of  thy  word ; 


SECOND  WEEK.  93 

for  the  teachings  and  strivings,  the  aids  and  consolations 
of  thy  Spirit ;  for  all  the  means  and  helps  which  we 
have  to  do  us  good  ;  for  all  thj  grace  wrought  in  us,  and 
bestowed  upon  us ;  and  for  all  the  discoveries  and  hopes 
of  eternal  glory  which  thou  hast  given  to  us.  0  how 
infinitely  indebted  are  we  to  the  kindness  and  love  of 
God  our  Saviour !  0  that  we  may  ever  be  sensible  and 
thankful  as  we  ought !  And  with  all  that  thou  hast 
given  us,  blessed  God,  give  us  hearts  filled  with  thy 
love,  and  lifted  up  in  thy  praise,  and  devoted  to  thy 
honour  and  service. 

And  help  us,  0  Lord  our  God,  to  glorify  thy  name, 
not  only  in  speaking  to  thy  praise,  but  so  entirely  de- 
voting ourselves  to  thy  pleasure,  that  we  may  be  thine 
in  faithfulness,  and  in  the  sincerity  of  our  hearts,  even 
all  the  days  of  our  lives. 

0  make  us  truly  penitent,  and  humbled  for  all  which 
this  day  we  have  done  amiss,  and  make  us  unfeigncdly 
thankful  for  all  the  good  that  we  have  received  ;  and  for 
all  which  thou  hast,  in  any  manner  or  measure,  enabled 
us  to  do  aright.  The  evil  is  from  ourselves  alone,  and 
to  us  belong  shame  and  confusion  of  face  for  it ;  but  all 
the  good  is  of  thy  free  grace,  and  thy  mere  mercy ;  and 
to  thy  blessed  name,  0  Lord  our  God,  be  all  the  praise 
and  glory  rendered,  with  the  most  sensible  and  grateful 
hearts,  now  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


MONDAY  MORNING.  Jenhs. 

0  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long  suffering, 
and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth !  Thou  keepcst 
mercy  for  thousands,  pardonest  iniquity,  transgression 
and  sin,  and  dost  not  retain  thy  anger  forever,  because 
thou  delightest  in  mercy.  How  excellent  is  thy  loving- 
kindness,  0  God  !  therefore  do  the  sons  of  men  put  their 
trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings.  And  therefore  do 
we  desire  still  to  look  up  to  that  bountiful  hand  of  thine, 
fro'n  whence  we  have  received  all  our  good  things.     0 


94  SECOND  WEEK. 

Lord  our  God !  be  tliou  pleased  to  look  down  mercifully 
upon  us,  and  be  gracious  and  favourable  to  us,  as  thou 
art  unto  those  that  love  thy  name.  0  look  not  upon  the 
sins  of  our  hearts  and  lives ;  which  are  more  than  we 
can  remember,  and  greater  than  we  can  express ;  and 
such  as  make  us  seem  vile,  even  in  our  own  eyes,  and 
so  highly  guilty  before  thy  holy  Majesty,  that  it  is  of 
the  Lord's  mercies  we  are  not  consumed,  because  thy 
compassions  fail  not.  But  behold  us  in  mercy,  through 
the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour,  who 
did  no  sin,  and  was  manifested  that  he  might  take  aAvay 
our  sins :  by  whom  it  is  that  we  have  this  access  to  the 
Majesty  on  high,  and  encouragement  to  come  into  thy 
presence,  to  ask  what  we  need. 

And  seeing  there  is  in  Christ  Jesus  an  infinite  fulness 
of  all  that  ever  we  can  want  or  wish  to  make  us  holy, 
and  to  make  us  most  blessed  eternally,  0  that  we  may 
all  receive  of  his  fulness  grace  sufficient  for  us ;  to  par- 
don our  sins  and  subdue  our  iniquities  ;  to  justify  our 
persons,  and  to  sanctify  our  souls  ;  and  to  complete  upon 
our  hearts  and  lives  that  holy  renovating  change,  which 
may  still  more  and  more  transform  us  into  the  blessed 
image  after  which  thou  didst  create  us ;  and  make  us 
still  more  meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  thy 
saints  in  light. 

And  teach  us,  0  Lord  our  God,  to  use  this  world  with- 
out abusing  it,  and  to  enjoy  the  things  of  it,  without  losing 
our  part  in  thy  love,  which  is  better  than  life.  Whatever 
we  have  of  the  world,  0  may  we  have  the  same  with  thy 
leave  and  love,  sanctified  to  us  by  the  word  of  God,  and 
prayer ;  and  by  the  light  employment  and  improvement 
thereof  to  thy  glory,  who  art  the  gracious  Giver  of  all 
Dur  good  things.  And  whatsoever  we  Avant  of  the  things 
of  this  life,  0  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  leave  us  not 
destitute  of  any  of  those  things  that  accompany  salvation, 
but  adorn  our  souls  with  all  such  graces  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  as  may  enable  us  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God 
our  Saviour  in  all  things,  by  such  a  conversation  as  does 
become  it. 


SECOND   WEEK.  95 

Help  us,  0  gracious  Lord,  in  the  wliole  of  our  duty  to 
thee  our  God ;  and  also  in  the  discharge  of  all  relative 
duties  which  we  owe  to  men,  whether  superiors,  equals, 
or  inferiors,  all  with  whom  we  have  our  conversation  in 
the  world :  that  we  may  walk  wisely  toward  them  that 
are  without,  and  kindly  toward  them  that  are  within ; 
and  not  to  be  justly  offensive  unto  any ;  but,  what  in  us' 
lies,  useful  and  beneficial  to  all.  And  thus  let  us  pass 
the  time  of  our  sojourning  here,  in  thy  fear  and  favour, 
and  to  thy  honour  and  glory ;  that  at  our  last  review 
thereof,  thy  name  may  have  the  praise,  and  our  souls 
the  comfort,  in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  great  day 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

*Let  the  spirit  of  thy  holy  Sabbath  go  with  us  into  the 
duties  of  this  week.  May  we,  in  all  our  employments, 
have  that  seriousness,  calmness,  peace,  prayerfulness,  and 
conscientiousness,  which  the  observance  of  thy  holy  day 
is  fitted  to  produce.  May  thy  truth  be  seasonably  brought 
to  our  remembrance.  May  we  be  enlightened  by  that 
truth  in  the  knowledge  of  our  duty  to  thee,  and  to  our 
fellow  creatures.  Suffer  us  not  to  become  worldly 
minded — to  be  influenced  inordinately,  by  the  things  of 
this  life  ;  or  to  forget  that  thy  people  are  advancing  to 
a  world  of  eternal  purity  and  love.  Amid  all  our 
worldly  employments,  may  we  remember  that  our  trea- 
sure should  be  laid  up  in  a  world  where  moth  and  rust 
do  not  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through 
nor  steal.  Amid  all  our  perplexities  and  trials,  may  we 
remember  that  there  remaineth  a  rest  to  the  people  of 
God, — and  may  we  so  live  as  to  be  prepared  to  enter 
upon  that  eternal  Sabbath,  which  awaits  Christiana 
beyond  the  grave.* 

And  now  that  thou  hast  renewed  our  lives  and  thy 
mercies  to  us  tliis  morning,  help  us,  good  God,  to  renew 
our  desires,  and  resolutions,  and  endeavours,  to  live  in 
the  obedience  of  thy  holy  will,  and  to  the  honour  of  thy 
blessed  name.  0  restrain  us  from  the  evils  and  follies 
into  which  we  are  prone  to  fall ;  and  quicken  us  to  the 
offices  and  duties  which  we  are  averse  to  perform.     And 


S6  SECOND   WEEK. 

grant  that  we  may  think  and  speak,  and  will  and  do,  the 
things  becoming  the  children  of  our  heavenly  Father ;  and 
so  find  the  strong  consolation  of  thy  gracious  acceptance 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour;  who,  when  we  pray,  has 
taught  us  to  say,  Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING.f  Jenlc6. 

0  Lord  our  God !  thou  art  infinitely  great,  and  infi 
nitely  good.  Thy  glory  is  above  all  our  thoughts,  and 
thy  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works.  And  above  all  thy 
mercies,  have  we  cause  to  admire,  and  bless,  and  praise 
thee  for  those  mercies  which,  in  so  large  a  measure,  and 
especial  manner,  thou  hast  been  pleased  still  to  vouchsafe 
unto  us,  who  are  daily  objects  of  thy  bounty,  and  who 
continue  still  the  living  monuments  of  thy  goodness. 

Thou  didst  create  us,  0  Lord,  after  thy  own  blessed 
image,  in  an  holy  and  happy  estate ;  but  we  have  made 
ourselves  vile  and  miserable,  averse  to  good  and  prone 
to  evil.  But  thou  hast  so  far  declared  thy  willingness 
to  be  reconciled  even  to  thy  enemies,  that  thou  hast  sent 
thy  only  Son  into  the  world,  upon  the  great  errand  of 
our  salvation ;  that  Avhosoever  believe  in  him,  should  not 
perish  in  their  sins,  but  have  everlasting  life,  for  his  sake. 
0  Lord,  we  believe,  help  our  unbelief;  and  give  us  the 
true  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ ;  that  we  may  be  of  the  number  of  those  who  do 
indeed  repent  and  believe,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 

And  save  us,  0  good  Lord,  from  our  sinful  selves,  and 
from  the  love  and  course  of  this  present  evil  world,  and 
from  every  self-destroying  way  Avhich  we  are  tempted 
to  follow.  jNLdvC  us  a  way  to  escape,  out  of  all  the  snares 
of  temptation,  wherewith  we  have  been  entangled  and 
held,  and  hindered  in  running  the  race  set  before  us. 
Make  thy  ways  plain  before  us.  Establish,  0  Lord,  and 
strengthen  and  settle  us ;  that  going  forth  in  thy  strength, 

t  The  second  Monday  in  the  month  is  extensively  observed  as  a  con. 
cert  of  prayer  for  Sunday  schools. 


SECOND    WEEK.  97 

we  may  do  thy  will  to  all  well-pleasing ;  and  continue  in 
tliy  fear  and  love  to  our  lives'  end. 

Which  things  we  beg,  not  for  ourselves  alone,  but  also 
in  behalf  of  all  whom  we  ought  to  intreat  thy  mercy  for 
in  our  prayers.  0  bring  nigh  unto  thee  all  those  that 
are  yet  afar  off;  and  make  manifest  the  savour  of  thy 
knowledge  in  every  place ;  that  such  as  yet  sit  in  dark- 
ness and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  may  come  to  see  the 
light  of  thy  truth,  and  the  joy  of  thy  salvation.  0  that 
every  one  who  names  the  name  of  Christ  may  depart 
from  iniquity,  and  so  live  up  to  their  high  and  holy  pro- 
fession, that  they  may  give  no  just  occasion  to  the  ene- 
mies of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme ;  but  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God,  our  Saviour,  in  all  things,  and  so  put  to  silence 
the  ignorance  of  foolish  men  by  well  doing. 

Be  gracious  and  favourable,  0  Lord,  in  an  especial 
manner,  to  thy  church.  Arise,  0  God,  and  plead  thy 
own  cause,  and  maintain  thy  true,  and  holy  religion, 
which  thou  hast  so  long  and  so  wonderfully  owned  and 
asserted.  0  let  not  the  enemies  of  thy  church  ever  have 
cause  to  say,  that  they  have  prevailed  against  thy  people ; 
but  let  all  that  do  espouse  thy  cause,  and  stand  up  for 
the  honour  and  defence  of  thy  truth,  be  still  prevalent 
and  prosperous  in  all  their  pious  designs;  and  still  have 
cause  to  say,  the  Lord  be  magnified,  who  has  pleasure  in 
the  prosperity  of  his  servants. 

*  And  on  this  day,  set  apart  by  n  any  of  thy  people  as 
a  season  of  prayer  for  thy  mercy  or:  Sunday  schools,  we 
humbly  implore  thy  blessing  on  all  who  are  engaged  in 
those  schools  as  teachers,  or  learners.  Enlighten  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  all  teachers,  that  they  may  truly  understand 
thy  word.  Make  them  the  true  friends  of  Jesus  Christ. 
May  they  be  endowed  with  his  spirit  of  self-denial,  pa- 
tience, humility,  and  prayer.  May  they  evermore  copy 
the  example  of  Him  who,  when  on  earth,  said,  Suffer  lit- 
tle children,  and  forbid  them  not  to  come  unto  me.  While 
engaged  in  instructing  the  rising  generation,  in  leading 
others  to  the  cross  of  Christ,  may  they  themselves  be  in- 
terested in  thy  promises,  and  sanctified  by  all  their  efforts 
5  I 


98  SECOND   WEEK. 

to  promote  thy  glory.  And  grant,  0  gracious  God.  that 
their  labours  may  be  attended  with  thy  blessing.  Do  tliou 
Bend  down  thy  Spirit  on  all  Sunday  schools,  that  the  rising 
generation  may  grow  up  in  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  in  preparation  for  great  usefulness  in  the  church, 
and  in  the  state.  May  schools  be  established  in  all  the 
destitute  places  of  our  land ;  and  all  the  means  used  to 
enlarge  and  perpetuate  these  blessings  be  crowned  with 
success.  Never  suffer  the  zeal  of  thy  people  to  languish 
in  this  cause,  or  thy  ministers  to  forget  their  obligations 
to  use  every  influence  in  their  power  to  promote  the  re- 
ligious training  of  the  rising  generation.  Hear  and 
answer  the  prayers  which  this  day  may  have  been 
offered  in  behalf  of  Sunday  schools ;  excite  in  all  thy 
people  a  spirit  of  benevolence ;  and  fill  the  earth  with 
thy  glory.* 

Comfort  all  that  want  the  comforts  which  we  enjoy. 
Remember  with  the  favour  which  thou  bearest  to  thy 
people,  all  our  friends  and  benefactors,  our  kindred  after 
the  flesh,  and  whomsoever  are  dear  to  us,  on  any  other 
account.  Make  them,  0  Lord,  such  as  thou  wouldst  have 
them,  and  such  as,  in  Christ  Jesus,  thou  wilt  mercifully 
accept  of  them,  here  to  thy  gracious  favour,  and  here- 
after to  thy  glorious  kingdom.  Forgive  our  enemies, 
and  turn  their  hearts ;  and  turn  ours  to  forgive  them. 
And  direct  all  our  ways  to  please  thee,  that  thou  mayest 
make  even  our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us. 

Hear  us,  0  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh  ;  hear  us  for 
ourselves  and  others  ;  others  for  themselves  and  us  :  and 
hear  the  Son  of  thy  love,  the  lover  of  our  souls,  for  us 
and  all  the  members  of  thy  church  militant  here  on  earth, 
whereof  Christ  Jesus  in  heaven  is  the  glorious  head.  For 
nim  and  to  him  with  tliine  eternal  self,  most  holy  Fa- 
ther, and  the  blessed  Spirit  of  grace,  our  Guide  and  Com- 
forter, be  all  thanks  and  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
fiumbly  and  heartily  rendered  and  ascribed  of  us,  and 
all  thy  people,  now  and  for  evermore.     Arnen. 


SECOND   WEEK.  99 


TUESDAY  MORNING.  JenTct. 

0  Lord,  thou  art  the  God  whose  we  are,  and  whom 
Wfc  ought  to  serve,  with  all  the  endowments  and  abilities 
for  thy  service,  wherewith  thou  hast  blessed  us.  For 
thou  hast  laid  upon  us  all  the  obligations  of  thy  laws, 
and  all  the  endearments  of  thy  love,  to  be  faithful  in  the 
covenant  of  our  God,  and  to  abound  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord.  And  we  desire  to  humble  ourselves  here  before 
thee,  that  our  lives  have  been  so  unserviceable  to  thee, 
and  so  full  of  provocation  against  thee ;  that  we  have 
lived  to  ourselves,  more  than  to  the  Lord  and  Giver  of 
our  lives ;  and  that  we  have  served  our  own  lusts  and 
pleasures  more  than  thy  holy  blessed  will ;  which  is  the 
rule  of  all  righteousness,  and  in  the  performance  whereof, 
there  is  the  greatest  reward.  0  how  we  have  disbelieved 
thy  truths,  disobeyed  thy  commands,  disregarded  thy 
promises  and  threats !  and  resisted  and  defeated  all  thy 
gracious  methods  to  reclaim  us  from  the  evil  of  our 
ways,  and  to  bring  us  over  entirely  to  thyself. 

We  have  sinned  against  thee,  our  God,  to  the  infinite 
wrong  and  damage  of  our  own  souls,  and  by  our  sins  we 
have  spoiled  and  destroyed  ourselves  ;  but  it  is  not  in  us 
to  recover  and  save  ourselves.  In  thee  alone  is  all  our 
help.  Yea,  thou  hast  laid  help  upon  one  that  is  mighty 
and  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that  come  to  God 
through  him  :  through  whom  thou  hast  encouraged  us  to 
come  boldly  to  thy  throne  of  grace  ;  that  we  may  obtain 
mercy,  and  find  grace  to  help  in  every  time  of  need.  In 
him,  therefore,  we  beg,  Lord,  that  thou  wilt  be  recon- 
ciled to  us,  and  at  peace  with  us ;  as  a  Father  of  mer- 
cies, and  a  God  of  consolation. 

And  for  his  sake,  enable  us  also,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
demean  ourselves  as  becomes  the  children  of  God,  tho 
redeemed  of  the  Lord,  and  the  followers  of  Jesus  Christ. 
0  put  such  principles  of  grace  and  holiness  into  our  hearts, 
as  may  ma.ke  us  to  hate  all  iniquity,  and  every  false  way. 


1 00  SECOND   WEEK. 

And  put  thy  Spirit  within  us,  causing  us  to  walk  in  thv 
statutes,  and  to  keep  thy  judgments,  and  to  do  them.  Not 
only  lay  thy  commands  upon  us,  but  be  pleased,  0  Lord, 
to  enable  us  for  the  performance  of  every  duty  required 
of  us.  And  so  engage  our  hearts  to  thyself,  that  we  may 
make  it  our  meat  and  drink  to  do  thy  will ;  and  with  en- 
arged  hearts  run  the  way  of  thy  commands.  0  make  our 
ervices  acceptable  to  thee  while  we  live,  and  our  souls 
ready  for  thee  when  we  die.  And  as  long  as  we  are  in 
this  world,  keep  us,  0  Lord  our  God,  from  the  evil  of 
it,  and  from  the  snares  and  dangers  which  thou  knowest 
"we  are  continually  exposed  to  in  it.  0  make  our  passage 
Bafe  and  sure,  through  all  the  changes,  troubles,  tempta- 
tions, and  various  conditions  of  this  mortal  life,  to  the 
unchangeable  glories  and  felicities  of  life  everlasting. 

Be  merciful  to  us,  good  Lord,  and  bless  us,  and  keep 
us  this  day,  in  all  our  ways,  and  in  all  our  lawful  designs 
and  undertakings ;  and  may  we  take  nothing  in  hand,  but 
what  is  warranted  in  thy  word.  0  let  us  be  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  all  the  day  long ;  let  thy  fear  be  ever  before 
our  eyes  to  restrain  us  from  the  things  provoking  to  our 
God,  and  destructive  to  our  souls.  And  let  thy  love 
abound  in  our  hearts,  and  sweetly  and  powerfully  con- 
strain us  to  all  faithful  and  cheerful  obedience,  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  through  him  that  has  loved  and  redeemed 
us ;  even  the  Lord  our  righteousness ;  in  whose  blessed 
name,  and  the  words  of  prayer  which  himself  has  taught 
us,  we  continue  praying  our  Father,  &c. 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  us,  and  with  all  that  belong  to  us,  this 
day,  and  for  evermore.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  Jenks. 

0  Lord,  thou  art  our  gracious  God,  and  our  most 
merciful  Father  in  Jesus  Christ ;  in  whose  great  name, 
and  prevailing  mediation,  alone  it  is  that  we,  who  have 
multiplied  our  offences  against  thoo,  are  encouraged  stilJ 


SECOND  WEEK.  10] 

to  present  our  persons,  and  our  prayers  here  before  thee. 
It  is  a  privilege  which  we  acknowledge  ourselves  utterly 
unworthy  to  enjoy,  that  thou  shouldst  admit  us  into  thy 
service ;  yea,  into  fellowship  with  thy  blessed  self.  We 
dare  not  appear  in  the  presence  of  such  a  holy  glorious 
Majesty,  in  our  own  names,  or  trusting  in  any  merits  or 
righteousness  in  ourselves.  But  we  come  in  the  name 
and  mediation  of  thy  dear  Son,  whom  thou  dost  infi- 
nitely love  above  all ;  who  has  fully  satisfied  thy  justice 
for  our  sins,  and  does  continually  intercede  at  thy  right 
hand  for  our  souls ;  whom  thou  delightest  to  honour  in 
sparing,  accepting,  and  saving  poor  unworthy  sinners 
upon  his  account.  0  deliver  us,  most  gracious  Lord,  for 
his  sake,  from  all  our  transgressions ;  and  from  all,  of 
which  thou,  that  are  greater  than  our  hearts,  knowest  us 
to  be  guilty.  And  seal  to  us  a  pardon,  in  his  most  pre- 
cious blood,  which  speaks  better  things  in  our  behalf 
than  we  are  able  to  do  ourselves,  in  all  our  prayers. 

And  may  the  time  past  of  our  lives  suffice  to  have 
lived  to  ourselves,  and  to  have  served  our  own  lusts  and 
pleasures.  Grant  us  new  and  clean,  humble  and  contrite 
hearts,  to  tremble  at  thy  word  and  presence,  and  to  hate 
and  abandon  all  our  foolish  and  sinful  misdoings. 
_  Hear  us,  0  Lord,  for  ourselves,  and  let  our  supplica- 
tions also  ascend  before  thee  in  the  behalf  of  all  men 
living.  Send  thy  word,  and  the  means  of  grace  to  such 
as  are  yet  destitute  of  them ;  and  make  them  efficacious, 
and  the  savour  of  life  in  those  that  do  enjoy  them.  Con- 
vert the  unconverted,  and  perfect  thy  good  work  where 
thou  hast  begun  it.  Give  a  check  to  all  profaneness, 
vice,  and  ungodliness,  that  presumptuous  sinners  may 
be  ashamed,  and  tho  wickedness  of  the  wicked  may  come 
to  an  end.  0  make  thy  church  to  increase  and  flourish, 
and  thy  servants  to  prevail  and  rejoice.  Be  gracious 
and  favourable  to  this  land,  and  to  the  head  and  governors 
thereof,  and  to  all  inferior  and  particular  members  of  it. 
0  do  thou  rule  all  our  rulers,  counsel  all  our  counsellors, 
teach  all  our  teachers,  and  turn  and  order  all  our  public 
affairs,  to  the  glory  of  thy  name,  to  the  welfare  of  thv 

12 


102  SECOND  WEEK. 

churcli,  and  to  the  happiness  of  this  nation.  Avert  from 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  judgments  which  we  feel  or 
fear,  and  continue  to  us  the  blessings  and  comforts  foi 
our  bodies,  and  especially  the  helps  and  advantages  for 
our  souls,  which  through  thy  favour  Ave  do  enjoy.  And 
notwithstanding  all  the  devices  of  the  enemies  of  our 
peace,  and  all  the  great  and  crying  provocations  of  our 
sins,  0  be  thou  still  our  God,  and  let  us  be  thy  people. 

Think  thoughts  of  pity  and  compassion  to  all  the  sons 
and  daughters  of  affliction.  0  sanctify  thy  fatherly  cor- 
rections to  them,  support  them  under  their  several  bur 
dens,  and  in  thy  good  time  deliver  them  from  all  the 
pressures  that  are  upon  them.  Be  good  to  all  our  friend? 
and  neighbours,  reward  our  benefactors,  bless  our  rela- 
tions with  the  best  of  thy  blessings,  making  them  near 
to  thyself  by  grace,  as  they  are  to  us  by  alliance.  Pre- 
serve us  from  our  enemies,  and  reconcile  them  both  to 
us  and  to  thyself.  0  that  all  the  habitations  of  Christians 
may  be  houses  of  prayer,  and  be  thou  especially  kind 
to  the  several  families  where  thy  blessed  name  is  called 
upon.  Let  thy  heavenly  blessings,  and  thy  saving  grace, 
descend  and  rest  upon  us  here  in  this  family.  0  guide 
us,  and  keep  us ;  make  us  wise  and  faithful  in  our  duty, 
and  prosperous  and  blessed  in  the  issue.  Fit  us  all  for 
whatsoever  thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  call  us  to.  0  teach 
us  how  to  want  and  how  to  abound ;  and  both  in  a  pros- 
perous and  suifering  condition,  secure  our  hearts  to  thy- 
self, and  make  us  ever  to  approve  ourselves  sincere  and 
faithful  in  thy  service. 

And  now,  0  Lord,  be  pleased  to  accept  our  evening 
sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  to  thee  the  Father 
of  mercies,  and  fountain  of  all  goodness,  for  the  mercies 
of  the  day  past,  and  for  thy  great  mercy  and  goodness, 
that  has  hitlicrto  followed  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives. — 
For  our  lives  have  been  filled  with  thy  mercies,  and 
thou  hast  abounded  towards  us  in  loving-kindness,  and 
variety  of  thy  sweet  and  comfortable  blessings,  pertain- 
ing to  this  world,  and  a  better;  passing  by  our  innume- 
rable sins,  as  if  thou  sawest  them  not,  thou  goest  on  still 


SECOND   WEEK.  10 ^ 


to  obUffe  us  with  new  favours.  0  Lord,  imprint  and 
preserve  upon  our  hearts  a  lively  and  grateful  sense  and 
remembrance  of  all  thy  kindness  unto  us,  that  our  souls 
may  bless  thee,  and  all  that  is  within  us  n>ay  praise  thy 

holy  name.  ,     ,  ,       . 

Yea  let  us  give  thee  thanks  from  the  heart,  and  praise 
our  God,  whilst  we  have  our  being.  And  for  all  thy 
patience  with  us,  thy  care  over  us,  and  thy  continual 
mercy  to  us,  blessed  be  thy  name,  0  Lord  God,  our 
heavenly  Father:  and  unto  thee  be  all  thanks,  and 
praise,  and  love,  and  obedience,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
offered  by  us  and  all  thine,  every  where,  now  and  ever- 
more.    Amen. 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

0  Lord,  the  blessed  God  of  our  salvation !  thou  art 
the  hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  upon  whom  the 
eyes  of  all  do  wait :  for  thou  givest  unto  all  lite,  and 
breath,  and  all  things.     In  thee  we  ever  live,  and  move, 
and  are;  and  upon  thee  we  continually  do  depend  ior 
all  the  good  that  ever  we  have,  or  hope  for.     btili  thou 
takest  care  of  us,  and  watchest  for  good  over  us ;  even 
in  our  rest  and  sleep,  when  we  have  not  so  much  as  any 
thoughts  of  caring  for  ourselves ;  and  daily  thou  renew- 
est  to  us  our  lives,  and  thy  mercies ;  every  mornmg  giv- 
ing us  new  occasions  still  for  thy  praise,  and  our  thank- 
fulness.    And  thou  hast  given  us  the  assurance  of  thy 
word  that  if  we  commit  our  affairs  to  thee,  and  acknow- 
ledcre'  thee   in    all  our  ways,   thou  wilt  establish  our 
thouo-hts,  and  direct  our  path.     And  therefore  we  de- 
sire  0  Lord,  still  to  put  ourselves  under  thy  gracious 
conduct,  and  thy  fatherly  protection ;  and  to  beg  thy 
heavenly  guidance  and  blessing,  and  assistance  ot  thy 
good  Spirit,  to  choose  our  inheritance  for  us ;  and  to 
dispose  of  us  and  of  all  that  concern  us,  to  the  glory 
of  thy  name. 

0  Lord,  withdraw  not  thy  tender  mercies  irom  us, 


104  SECOND   WEEK. 

nor  the  CGmforts  of  thy  presence,  nor  the  assistance  of 
thy  Spirit,  for  our  great  contempt  and  manifold  abusea 
of  all  such  grace  and  goodness.  Never  punish  our  past 
sins,  by  giving  us  over  to  the  love  and  power  of  our 
sins ;  but  give  us  true  penitent  hearts  for  all  the  evils 
committed  by  us ;  and  thy  merciful  discharge  from  all 
the  guilt  that  lies  upon  us.  And  grant  us,  0  God,  the 
comfortable  sense  and  apprehension  of  thy  gracious  ac- 
ceptance of  us,  and  thy  merciful  intentions  towards  us 
in  the  Son  of  thy  love,  the  lover  of  our  souls :  that  cur 
souls  may  bless  thee,  and  all  that  is  Avithin  us  may  praise 
thy  holy  name. 

And  0  that  we  may  find  the  joy  of  the  Lord  to  be 
our  strength,  to  enable  us  to  contend  against  our  sins ; 
especially  the  sins  to  which  we  are  most  addicted,  and 
"whereof  we  are  in  greatest  danger ;  and  to  make  us  also 
more  ready  to  every  good  work,  and  better  disposed  for 
all  the  duties  of  piety,  justice,  charity,  and  sobriety, 
which  we  owe  to  thee  our  God,  to  our  neighbour  and 
ourselves :  that  herein  we  may  experience  ourselves  to 
have  always  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  God, 
and  towards  men.  0  help  us  to  Avalk  circumspectly,  not 
as  fools,  but  as  wise ;  carefully  redeeming  the  time  that 
we  have  lost,  and  conscientiously  improving  all  those 
seasons,  and  means  of  grace  which  thou  art  pleased  to 
put  into  our  hands,  for  the  best  profit  and  advantage  of 
our  souls.  And  while  we  are  upon  earth,  0  give  us  all 
things  needful  and  convenient  for  our  present  pilgrim- 
age ;  and  sanctify  to  us  all  our  enjoyments,  and  all  events 
that  now  befall  us;  till,  through  the  merits  of  thy  Son, 
and  the  multitude  of  tlij  mercies,  we  are  conducted  safe 
to  be  ever  with  tiie  Lord.  Amidst  all  our  other  afi'airs 
in  this  world,  0  let  us  never  forget  or  neglect  the  one 
thing  needful ;  but  be  in  greatest  care  so  to  demean  our- 
selves every  day,  as  may  forward  our  comfortable  ac- 
counts in  the  great  day  of  tny  appearing  and  glory. 

0  gracious  Father  !  keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  thi^i 
day  in  thy  fear  and  favour ;  and  help  us  to  live  to  thy 
honour  and  glory.     If  thou  guide  us  not,  we  shall  run 


SECOND  WEEK.  10' 

into  errors;  if  thou  preserve  us  not,  we  shall  fall  into 
dangers ;  0  let  thy  good  providence  be  our  defence  and 
security ;  and  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  our  guide  and  coun- 
sellor in  xll  our  ways.  And  grant  that  we  may  take  the 
ways  and  courses  agreeable  to  thy  will,  and  acceptable 
in  thy  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ ;  in  whose  sacred  name 
and  words  we  close  up  these  our  imperfect  requests  to 
thee,  Our  Father,  &c. 

Let  thy  grace,  0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thy  love,  0 
heavenly  Father,  thy  comfortable  fellowship,  0  holy 
blessed  Spirit,  be  with  us,  and  with  all  whom  we  ought 
to  beg  thy  mercy  for  in  our  prayers,  this  day,  and  for 
evermore.     A?nen. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Jenh. 

0  Lord,  our  God,  thou  art  most  high  and  mighty, 
most  wise,  and  holy,  and  good !  Thou  art,  and  for  ever 
wast,  and  for  ever  shalt  continue,  unspeakably  blessed 
and  glorious,  above  all  that  we  are  able  to  express  or  to 
conceive.  Thou  dost  not  need  the  services  of  men  or 
angels  to  make  the  least  addition  to  thy  glory  and  bliss. 
Men  cannot  be  profitable  unto  God ;  our  goodness  will 
not  extend  to  the  Lord.  But  in  kindness  and  love  to 
our  souls  it  is,  that  thou  art  pleased  to  lay  thy  commands 
upon  us,  to  wait  upon  thee  in  these  duties  of  thy  imme- 
diate service.  Thou  humblest  thyself  even  to  behold 
the  things  that  are  in  heaven,  to  take  notice  of  the  wor- 
ship of  those  blessed  creatures  above.  0  how  wonderful 
is  thy  condescension  then,  to  look  down  upon  us,  poor 
sinful  worms,  that  dwell  here  in  houses  of  clay,  whose 
foundation  is  in  the  dust !  Lord,  what  is  man  that  thou 
takest  knowledge  of  him,  and  the  son  of  man  that  thou 
makest  account  of  him !  Thou  canst  not  at  all  need  us, 
nor  any  thing  of  ours,  0  blessed  God ;  but  we  all  stand  * 
in  great  and  continual  need  of  thee,  our  only  sovereign 
good ;  in  need  of  thy  mercy  and  forgiveness,  thy  grace 
and  guidance,  thy  blessing  and  assistance ;  without  which 
6* 


106  SECOND   WEEK. 

we  could  never  hope  to  escape  the  curses  and  m'lserku 
which  are  the  due  wages  of  our  sins ;  nor  even*  to  attain 
to  that  glory  an<l  blessedness,  which  are  the  free  gifts  of 
God  in  Jesus  Christ. 

The  desire  of  our  souls,  therefore,  is  to  thy  name,  0 
Lord,  and  to  the  remembrance  of  thee.     Our  eyes  are 
towards  thee,  and  all  our  expectation  is  from  thee:  and 
still  we  wait,  and  call,  and  depend  upon  thee,  till  tliou 
have  mercy  upon  us,  according  to  our  several  necessi- 
ties ;   and  according  to  the  riches  of  thy  grace,  and  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies.     0  remember  not  against  us 
our  former  iniquities ;  enter  not  into  judgment  with  us, 
according  to  the  desert  of  our  sins ;  but  according  to  thy 
mercy  remember  thou  us.     For  thy  goodness'  sake,  0 
Lord,  blot  out  our  transgressions  as  a  cloud;  and  justify 
us  freely  by  thy  grace,  through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Jesus  Christ.     And  bless  us,  holy  God  of  our  salvation, 
in  turning  us  from  all  our  iniquities,  and  giving  us  grace, 
to  repent  and  amend  our  lives  according  to  thy  holy  Avord. 
And  to  this  end,  be  thou  pleased  to   enlighten   our 
darkened  minds  with  the  beams  of  thy  saving  truth,  that 
we  may  not  be  unwise,  but  understand  what  the  Avill  of 
the  Lord  is — And  reform  our  depraved  wills,  inclining 
them  to  a  cheerful  and  ready  compliance  with  all  the  mo- 
tion of  thy  good  Spirit.     Regulate  our  unruly  passions ; 
purify  our  corrupt  affections ;  and  convert  all  the  faculties 
of  our  souls,  to  be  instruments  of  thy  glory,  as  they  have 
been  of  thy  dishonour ;  and  make  our  bodies  fit  temples 
for  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  dwell  in.     Yea,  sanctify  us  wholly, 
that  we  may,  as  we  ought,  sanctify  thy  blessed  name.  ^ 
And  (piickcn  us,  0  Lord,  to  hear  thy  voice  while  it  is 
called  to-day ;  that  we  may  make  haste,  and  not  delay 
to  keep  thy  commandments.     0  keep  us  frc(pK'ntly  and 
affectionately  mindful  of  the  shortness  of  our  time,  the 
frailty  of  our  lives,  and  the  uncertainty  of  our  being  liere 
in  this -mutable  world,  that  so  soon  passoth  away,  and 
where  we  have  no  continuing  city  ;  but  are  strangers  and 
Boj  lurncrs  with  thee,  as  all  our  fathers  before  us  wore. 
0  let  the  remembrance  and  consideration  of  this  have 


SECOND   WEEK.  107 

Bncli  a  prevailing  influence  upon  us,  as  to  crucify  the 
world  to  us,  and  make  us  more  concerned  for  our  ever- 
lasting welfare,  and  more  careful  to  improve  every  pre- 
sent enjoyment  to  our  souls'  eternal  advantage;  and  to 
grow  holier  still  as  we  grow  older ;  that  the  days  which 
pass  over  us  may  not  leave  us,  without  any  amendment 
Avrought  upon  us  ;  but  that  the  work  of  thy  grace  may 
go  on  successfully  upon  our  hearts,  till  it  has  made  us 
ripe  and  ready  for  the  joys  and  glories  of  thy  kingdom. 
The  same  things  also  Ave  beg  in  behalf  of  all  that  ought 
to  share  in  our  prayers.     0  forgive  the  sins,  and  relieve 
the  miseries  of  thy  poor  creatures  every  where.     Enlarge 
the  borders  of  thy  church,  and  make  additions  to  it  daily 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved.     0  that  all  who  are  called  Chris- 
tians, may  be  truly  Christians,  both  in  their  right  believ- 
ing and  their  holy  living.     Advance  the  interest,  and  ex- 
tend the  limits  of  thy  Son's  kingdom,  and  may  all  nations 
flow  into  it,  as  to  their  rest.     Bless  our  land,  and  endue 
our  rulers,  and  those  who  direct  our  public  aff'airs,  with 
wisdom  from  on  high.     Give  our  judges  the  spirit  of 
discernment,  and  aid  and  countenance  our  magistrates  in 
the  faithful  execution  of  their  office.    Make  them  all  men 
fearing  God,  and  eschewing  evil. — And  0  that  all  Avho 
are  called  to  serve  at  thy  altar,  maybe  blessed  with  skil- 
ful understandings,  and  compassionate  hearts,  and  exem- 
plary lives.     Make-  them  wise  to  win  souls,  and  faithful, 
industrious  and  successful  in  their  sacred  office,  as  work- 
men that  need  not  be  ashamed.     Bless  and  prosper  all 
the  places  of  learning  and  education ;  and  make  all  this 
people  the  Lord's  people  ;'that  they  may  all  know  thee 
from  the  greatest  to  the  least ;  and  so  order  their  conver- 
sation aright,  that  they  may  see  the  salvation  of  God. 
Remember  them  all  for  good,  who  have  been  any  way 
instruments  of  our  good  ;  and  all  that  have,  or  would  hurt 
us,  0  Lord  forgive  them.     Give  unto  all  that  mourn  in 
Zion,  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and 
the  garments  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness.   0  Lord ! 
continue  thy  gracious  favour  to  us,  and  thy  fatherly  care 
over  us  this  night.     As  we  go  to  rest  after  the  labours  of 


108  SECOND   WEEK. 

the  day,  so  help  us  to  do  thy  work  that  we  may  enter 
into  that  rest  which  remains  for  thy  people  in  the  close 
of  this  life.  And  so  discharge  us  from  our  sins,  and  sup- 
ply us  still  with  thy  grace,  that  we  may  finish  our  course 
with  joy,  and  in  the  end  of  our  lives  find  the  greatest  of 
all  mercy,  to  be  received  into  thy  glory :  which  we  beg 
for  the  all-sufficient  merits  of  our  only  Redeemer ;  for 
whom,  and  to  whom,  with  thee,  0  everlasting  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  the  Comforter,  in  the  unity  of  the 
ever  glorious  Trinity,  be  all  praise,  and  honour  and  glory 
ascribed  of  us,  and  of  all  the  Israel  of  God,  now  and  for 
evermore.     Amen. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  JenJcs. 

0  Lord  God,  that  hearest  prayer,  and  art  nigh  to  all 
that  call  upon  thee  in  truth,  have  thine  ears  open  to  a 
world  of  creatures,  that  continually  depend  upon  thee  ! 
As  we  are  moved  by  our  own  necessities,  so  are  we  en- 
couraged by  the  daily  experience  of  thy  mercies  still  to 
shelter  ourselves  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings,  and  to 
continue  our  suits  and  supplications  at  the  throne  of  thy 
grace.  And  we  beg  of  thee,  who  fashioneth  all  the 
hearts  of  the  sons  of  men,  that  thou  wilt  prepare  our 
hearts  to  come  into  thy  holy  presence,  and  to  call  upon 
thy  blessed  name,  in  due  and  acceptable  manner !  0 
pour  upon  us  the  spirit  of  grace  and  of  supplications ; 
and  let  thy  good  Spirit  help  our  infirmities,  and  teach 
us  to  pray  so  as  shall  be  most  agreeable  to  thy  will,  and 
most  advantageous  to  our  souls. 

For  we,  who  are  but  poor  worms,  and  sinful  dust  and 
ashes ;  that  have  too  much  cause  to  be  afraid,  lest  our 
great  and  manifold  sins  have  provoked  thee  to  hide  thy 
face  from  us,  and  to  shut  up  thy  loving-kindness  in  dis- 
pleasure against  us,  have  taken  upon  us  to  speak  unto 
thee,  the  Sovereign  Majesty  of  heaven  and  earth.  For 
we  have  done  foolishly  and  wickedly,  in  not  hearkening 
to  the  calls  of  thy  word,  nor  yielding  to  the  monitions 


SECOND  WEEK.  109 

of  thy  Spirit,  to  walk  in  the  ways  which  thou  hast  set 
before  us.  Our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  heads, 
our  trespasses  are  grown  even  up  to  heaven,  and  our  sins 
are  a  sore  burden,  too  grievous  and  heavy  for  us  to  bear. 
They  are  infinite  debts,  and  sad  accounts ;  for  which  if 
thou,  0  Lord,  shouldst  enter  into  judgment  with  us,  we 
coukl  not  answer  thee  one  of  a  thousand;  but  must  lay 
our  hands  upon  our  mouths,  and  plead  nothing  but  guilty, 
liaving  our  whole  dependence  upon  thy  mercy. 

0  God,  be  merciful  to  us  miserable  sinners,  for  his 
sake,  whom  thou  hast  exalted  to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Sa- 
viour, to  give  repentance  to  thy  people,  and  forgiveness 
of  their  sins:  be  merciful  to  us,  we  pray  thee,  and  heal 
our  souls,  that  have  greatly  sinned  against  thee.  0  heal 
our  backslidings,  renew  us  to  true  repentance,  establish 
our  hearts  in  thy  true  fear  and  love,  and  establish  our 
goings  in  thy  holy  ways ;  that  we  may  not  be  so  waver- 
ing and  bent  to  backslidings,  nor  revolt  from  thee  to  tarn 
to  folly,  after  thou  in  mercy  hast  spoken  peace  to  our 
souls ;  but  may  go  on  conquering  and  to  conquer  all  the 
enemies  of  our  souls,  and  all  the  hinderances  of  our  sal- 
vation, till  Satan  be  bruised  under  our  feet. 

0  thou  God  of  all  grace !  bring  such  thoughts  to  our 
minds,  and  lay  such  considerations  home  powerfully  upon 
our  hearts,  as  thou  knowest  most  eflfectual  to  prevail  with 
us,  to  work  in  us  thy  will,  and  to  keep  us  from  our  iniquity 
'\vitliin  the  bounds  of  our  duty,  till  thou  receive  us  into  the 
blessed  kingdom  of  thy  glory.  And,  in  the  mean  time, 
sanctify  to  us  all  thy  dealings  with  us ;  and  bless  us  in  all 
our  undertakings,  and  in  all  our  conditions  and  relations. 
Make  us  humble,  contented,  and  duly  careful  of  our  souls ; 
following  after  the  things  now  which  will  bring  us  true 
peace  and  comfort  at  the  last. 

Dispose  of  us,  we  beseech  thee,  our  God,  and  of  all  that 
eoncerns  us  this  day,  to  the  glory  of  thy  name.  0  keep 
us  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places  and  companies,  from  the 
evil  of  sin,  and  from  all  other  evils,  to  which  the  greatness 
of  our  sins  does  make  us  liable.  And  take  thou,  0  hea- 
venly Father,  the  gracious  charge,  and  guidance,  and  go- 


110  SECOND   WEEK. 

vernment  of  us ;  and  so  lead  us  here  in  all  our  ways,  witli 
thy  counsel,  that  hereafter  thou  majest  receive  us  into 
thy  glory ;  through  thy  tender  mercies,  and  our  Saviour's 
abundant  merits ;  in  Avhose  own  words,  we  beg  all  things 
needful  for  ourselves  and  others,  at  thy  hands. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  Jenhs. 

0  LoKD,  the  great  and  glorious  God,  infinite  in  power, 
wisdom  and  goodness ;  the  wonderful  maker  and  preserver, 
ruler  and  disposer,  of  us  and  of  all  the  world !  thou  hast 
created  all  things  by  thy  almighty  hand;  sustainest  and 
orderest  all  that  thou  hast  made  by  thy  wise  and  righteous 
providence;  and  thy  mercy  is  everlasting,  and  over  all 
thy  works.  0  who  is  able  to  express  or  conceive  the  ex- 
ceeding riches  of  that  grace  and  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
which  in  such  plentiful  measure  is  still  descending  and 
overflowing  upon  poor  sinful  creatures,  who  deserve  no- 
thing from  thee  but  to  be  forsaken  and  abhorred  by  thee  ! 
This  day,  and  every  day  of  our  lives,  0  Lord,  have  we 
tasted  largely  of  thy  mercy,  and  lived  altogether  still  upon 
thy  fatherly  care  and  bounty. 

But  notwithstanding  all  thy  patience  and  gracious  deal- 
ings with  us,  and  all  the  repeated  pledges  of  thy  favour  and 
kindness  to  us ;  0  how  ill  we  have  requited  thy  love !  Antl 
Avhat  unsuitable  returns  have  we  made  for  all  thy  great  and 
continued  goodness  that  we  have  found!  Beside  the  guilt 
of  our  inbred  corruption,  which  hangs  heavy  upon  us: 
we  are  amazed  at  the  greatness  and  multitude  of  all  our 
other  sins  tliat  we  have  committed  afjainst  the  light  and 
teachings  of  thy  gospel,  against  the  dictates  and  striv- 
ings of  thy  Spirit,  and  the  love  and  sufferings  of  thy  Son  : 
against  all  the  patience  and  long  forbearance  which  thou 
hast  exercised  towards  us;  and  against  the  many  mercies 
and  methods  of  our  conversion  and  sanctification,  where- 
with from  time  to  time,  thou  hast  sought  to  nuike  us  such 
as  thy  word  requires  wc  should  be.    0  Lord,  we  have  givQH 


SECOND   WEEK.  Ill 

tliee  so  great  provocation  that  we  are  afraid  lest  thou 
shouldst  forsake  us  utterly,  and  cause  the  day  of  thy 
patience  to  be  at  an  end  with  us,  and  grant  us  no  more 
of  thy  grace  which  we  have  so  greatly  abused,  no  more 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  which  we  have  so  frequently  re- 
fused. And  what  have  we  now  but  judgment  to  expect 
from  thee,  0  Lord,  but  that  thy  mercy  rejoices  over 
judgment !  And  thy  word  assures  us  that  thou  de- 
lightest  not  in  the  death  of  sinners,  but  rather  that  they 
should  turn  to  thee  and  live.  Therefore  still  thou 
leavest  us  r'-ese  opportunities  to  appear  before  thee,  to 
plead  with  our  God,  for  the  life  of  souls  that  have  sin- 
ned agj'.rv  t  thee.  And  what  have  we  to  plead,  0 
blpss»^>.d  »y""d,  but  thy  own  gracious  nature,  and  merciful 
indlT^'J^'  '.s,  and  the  many  promises  and  declarations,  of 
thys'^lf'  vhich  thou  hast  made  to  returning  sinners  in 
Jcsp':  Cnrist !  Thou  hast  sent  thine  only  Son  to  be  our 
only  Saviour ;  and  he  that  did  no  sin  was  manifested  to 
take  away  our  sins.  0  for  his  sake  be  thou  pleased  to 
pity  us,  and  spare  us,  and  forgive  us.  Turn  away  thy 
wrath  from  us ;  receive  us  to  thy  blessed  favour ;  and 
comfort  us  with  the  sure  persuasion,  that  our  great  and 
many  sins  are  remitted. 

And  because  such  is  the  infirmity  of  our  nature,  that 
without  thy  grace  w^e  have  not  the  least  power  to  keep 
ourselves  even  from  the  greatest  sins  ;  0  grant  us  the  in- 
crease of  thy  grace,  and  such  help  of  thy  good  Spirit,  as 
may  fortify  us  against  all  temptation,  and  make  us  willing 
and  faithful,  and  diligent  in  thy  service.  And  be  pleased, 
0  Lord,  yet  further  to  discover  and  manifest  thyself  to 
our  souls,  that  we  may  know  aright  thee,  the  only  true 
God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent.  And  give 
us  power  from  on  high,  to  enable  us  so  to  live  and  prac- 
tise, according  to  that  light  and  knowledge  of  our  duty 
which  thou  art  pleased  to  impart  unto  us,  that  we  may 
not  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness,  knowing  the  bet- 
ter, and  doing  the  worse,  but  may  walk  in  the  light,  aa 
children  of  light,  while  we  have  it ;  that  we  may  never 
in  judgment  be  deprived  of  it.     0  let  us  not  only  be  al- 


112  SECOND  WEEK. 

most,  but  altogether  Christians ;  sincere  converts,  trnti 
penitents,  and  sound  believers.  And  wilt  thou,  0  God, 
that  workest  all  in  all,  do  that  work  of  thy  grace  tho- 
roughly upon  all  our  hearts ;  for  which  we  may  have 
cause  to  give  thee  praise  and  glory  to  all  eternity. 

Which  things  we  beg  not  only  for  ourselves,  but  for 
all  the  partakers  of  our  nature,  whom  thou  hast  made  to 
share  in  our  hopes  and  capacities  of  eternal  happiness; 
especially  for  thy  whole  church,  wheresoever  or  howso- 
ever disposed  of  over  all  the  earth  ;  for  all  in  authority, 
from  the  highest  even  to  the  lowest ;  for  our  ministers  and 
teachers  ;  for  our  relations  and  neighbours  ;  our  friends 
and  benefactors ;  and  for  all  thy  afflicted,  Avhatsoever  be 
their  trials  and  troubles.  0  supply  all  their  wants,  and 
fulfil  all  their  desires,  so  as  thy  wisdom  sees  best,  for  thy  « 
own  mercy's  sake  in  Jesus  Christ. 

Thou,  Lord,  art  the  great  preserver  of  men,  who  hast 
kept  and  blessed  us  to-day,  and  all  our  days.  Praised 
be  thy  name  for  all  thy  goodness,  Avhich  we  so  long  and 
largely  have  experienced.  0  make  us  sensible  and  thank- 
ful, as  we  are  obliged  to  be.  Take  care  of  us,  0  Lord, 
and  be  good  to  us  this  night.  Give  us  bodily  rest  in  our 
beds,  and  rest  for  our  souls  in  thyself.  And  be  thou  our 
God  and  guide,  our  hope  and  help,  our  joy  and  comfort, 
and  all  in  all  to  us  this  night,  and  for  evermore.  Amen. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.  JenJcs. 

0  Lord  our  God !  thy  name  is  most  excellent  in  all 
the  earth :  thou  hast  set  thy  glory  above  the  heavens, 
and  thou  art  worthy  to  be  celebrated  Avith  everlasting 
praises  of  men  and  angels ;  for  thou  hast  created  all 
things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are  and  were  created. 
,  Thy  Lands,  0  Lord,  have  made  us  and  fashioned  us,  and 
thou  hast  breatlicd  into  our  nostrils  the  breath  of  life ; 
yea,  still  thou  boldest  our  souls  in  life,  and  givest  us 
every  good  thing  that  makes  our  lives  a  blessing  and  a 
com^n-t  to  us.     Thou  hast  formed  us  for  thyself,  that 


SECONl;  WEEK.  113 

we  should  show  forth  thy  praise,  and  live  to  thy  glory, 
as  we  du  continually  live  upon  thy  bounty. 

But,  0  Lord  our  God !  we  have  not  brought  thee  the 
glory  thou  hast  made  us  capable  of,  and  so  many  ways 
obliged  us  to ;  instead  of  that,  0  how  greatly  have  we 
dishonoured  thee,  our  God,  in  the  whole  course  and  con- 
duct of  our  lives  !  time  after  time,  forgetting  the  gracious 
Giver  of  all  our  good  things,  who  art  never  unmindful  of 
us.  And  0  how  soon  have  we  been  weary  to  do  thee 
service,  who  art  never  weary  to  do  us  good !  Yea,  we 
have  not  only  neglected  thy  work,  but  have  been  dis- 
obedient against  thy  word,  and  have  gone  after  our  own 
foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  in  such  ways  of  living  as  thy 
laws  and  our  own  hearts  disallow  and  condemn  us  for. 

And  for  these  things  we  desire  to  pour  out  our  hearts, 
and  to  humble  ourselves  here  before  thee ;  entreating  thy 
gracious  favour,  for  the  sake  of  thy  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus, 
diat  thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  give  us  repentance  and  par- 
don for  all  that  is  past,  wherein  we  have  offended  thee ; 
whether  in  omitting  of  our  duty,  or  failing  in  it,  or  doing 
contrary  to  it.  However  Ave  have  transgressed,  0  hum- 
ble us  duly  under  the  sense  of  it ;  and  for  thy  dear  Son's 
sake,  absolve  us  thoroughly  from  the  guilt  of  it. 

And  strengthen  us,  good  Lord,  with  might,  by  thy  Spi- 
rit in  the  inner  man,  to  make  us  more  watchful  against, 
and  more  victorious  over,  the  corruption  of  our  nature, 
the  temptations  of  the  devil,  and  the  distractions  and  al- 
lurements of  this  sinful  world,  wherein  we  live.  0  de- 
stroy in  us  every  vicious  inclination,  every  evil  habit, 
and  rebellious  notion,  that  exalts  itself  against  the  know- 
ledge of  God,  aoid  against  the  obedience  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  And  increase  and  confirm  in  us  still  more 
and  more,  thy  true  knowledge,  and  faith,  and  fear,  and 
love;  and  every  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  which  thou 
knowest  to  be  most  wanting  in  us,  and  necessary  for  us ; 
such  as  may  make  our  lives  still  more  comfortable  to  our- 
selves, more  profitable  to  others,  and  more  to  the  glory 
of  thy  name.  And  however  it  goes  with  us,  as  to  the 
concerns  of  this  present  time,  0  that  we  may  still  bts 

K2 


114  SECOND  WEEK. 

found  in  the  way  of  our  duty,  fearing  God,  and  working 
righteousness ;  that  we  may  secure  our  interest  in  the 
great  Saviour  of  the  world,  so  that  when  all  here  shall 
fail  us,  thou  mayest  take  us  up,  and  be  the  strength  of 
our  hearts,  and  our  portion  for  evermore. 

Day  by  day  we  magnify  thee,  0  Lord,  who  makest 
every  day  of  our  lives  still  a  further  addition  to  thy  mer- 
cies. We  bless  thee  for  our  last  night's  preservation  and 
protection,  and  for  the  rest  and  refreshment  which  thou 
hast  given  us  therein.  0  cause  us  to  hear  thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  we  trust;  cause 
us  to  know  the  way  wherein  we  should  go,  for  we  lift  up 
our  souls  to  thee.  Cast  us  not  away  from  thy  presence; 
take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us ;  but  direct  all  our  ways 
to  please  thee,  our  God,  that  thou  mayest  crown  us  with 
blessing  and  good  success.  Help  us  to  see  thy  power,  to 
own  thy  presence,  to  admire  thy  wisdom,  and  to  love  thy 
goodness  in  all  thy  creatures.  And  by  all  the  comforts 
of  creatures,  0  draw  our  hearts  still  nearer  to  thyself  the 
blessed  Creator  of  every  comfort;  and  let  our  medita- 
tions of  God  be  sweet  as  well  as  frequent,  that  delighting 
ourselves  in  the  Lord,  thou  mayest  give  unto  us  the  de- 
sires of  ovn-  hearts.  Such  thy  mercy  and  grace  we  beg 
for  ourselves,  and  all  ours,  and  thine  every  where,  in  our 
great  Mediator's  form  of  prayer.     Our  Father,  <fcc. 


FRIDAY  EVENING.  Jenlcs 

Our  ever  blessed  and  most  gracious  God  !  thou  art  the 
Lord  and  Giver  of  our  lives  and  hopes,  and  of  all  our  en- 
joyments and  comforts.  To  thee  we  do  owe  ourselves, 
and  all  that  ever  we  are  capable  of  rendering  and  ascribing 
For  by  thee,  0  Lord,  we  were  created  and  have  our 
being;  and  through  thy  good  providence  it  is,  that  we 
still  have  been  s))arcd  and  preserved,  and  cared  anil  pro- 
vided for,  throughout  our  whole  lives  unto  this  present 
time.  From  thee,  our  God,  comes  all  our  help,  and  in 
thee  is  reposed  all  our  hope.     Thou  art  the  bountiful 


SECOND  WEEK.  115 

Giver  of  all  the  good  that  our  souls  desire,  and  the  mer- 
ciful Avithholder  of  all  the  evils  that  our  sins  deserve. 
We  acknowledge  thy  great  and  daily  goodness  to  us,  ana 
our  own  exceeding  unworthiness  of  the  least  of  all  thy 
mercies.  We  take  shame  and  confusion  to  ourselves, 
that  we  have  so  little  improved,  and  so  greatly  abused, 
all  thy  patience  with  us,  and  all  the  various  instances  of 
thy  bounty  to  us.  For  even  thy  mercies  help  to  inflame 
the  heavy  reckoning  of  our  offences,  because  we  have 
done  so  much  against  thee,  after  all  the  great  things  thou 
hast  done  for  us.  We  desire,  0  Lord,  to  be  penitent, 
and  humbled  for  our  sins ;  and  to  entreat  thy  gracious 
favour  in  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  pardon  of  them.  Forgive 
us,  we  pray  thee,  for  his  sake,  all  the  sins  that  ever  we 
have  committed  against  thee,  and  absolve  us  from  all  tho 
evils  whereof  we  now  stand  guilty  before  thee.  And 
being  justified  by  faith,  grant  us  peace  with  God,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  we  pray  that  thou  wilt  be  to  us  a  Father  of  mer- 
cies and  a  God  of  consolation  ;  so  that  thou  wilt  make  us 
followers  of  God,  as  dear  children  ;  ever  jealous  over  our 
hearts,  and  watchful  over  our  ways ;  continually  fearing 
to  offend,  and  endeavouring  to  please  thee  :  and  keeping 
our  hearts  with  all  diligence,  that  they  may  not  be  har- 
dened through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  Thou  knowest, 
0  Lord,  our  weakness  and  danger  of  temptation ;  our 
danger  from  the  cruel,  subtle  enemy  of  our  souls ;  and 
from  this  present  world  that  is  so  full  of  snares  ;  and  from 
our  own  vile  flesh  and  deceitful  hearts,  so  apt  to  betray 
us  into  the  enemies'  hands ;  Ave  pray,  therefore,  good 
Lord,  that  thou  wilt  arm  us  with  the  whole  armour  of 
God,  and  uphold  us  with  thy  free  Spirit,  and  watch  over 
us  for  good  evermore.  Especially  in  the  times  of  our 
sorest  trials,  let  us  experience  the  strongest  aids  of  thy 
heavenly  grace,  that  we  may  never  fall  a  prey  to  those 
deadly  enemies  that  seek  to  devour  us. 

And  teach  us,  our  God,  to  know  the  day  of  our  grace, 
and  the  time  of  our  visitation,  and  to  see  the  things  of 
our  peace,  and  duly  to  mind  and  settl»the  great  eternal 


116  SECOND   WEEK. 

affairs  of  our  souls,  in  this  our  day,  before  they  be  hid 
from  our  eyes.  And  while  we  have  time,  0  enable  us 
to  use  and  improve  it,  to  those  great  ends  for  which  thou 
art  pleased  to  put  that  precious  talent  into  our  hands, 
that  we  may  make  the  short  and  uncertain  stay  which 
we  have  here,  an  opportunity  of  securing  to  ourselves  a 
sure  and  everlasting  well-being,  when  we  shall  depart 
from  hence. 

And  seeing  thou  art  pleased  yet  to  hold  our  souls  in 
life,  and  to  make  us  find  and  feel,  by  every  day's  experi- 
ence, how  abundantly  gracious  and  merciful  thou  art, 
with  much  patience  and  long  suffering,  enduring  us,  and 
with  loving-kindness  and  manifold  blessings,  still  pre- 
venting and  following  us ;  0  give  us  hearts  more  sensi- 
ble of  thy  love,  more  affected  Avith  thy  mercy,  and  more 
thankful  for  those  continued  favours  Avhich  thou  art 
pleased  to  multiply  upon  us.  And  help  us  to  show  forth 
thy  praise  and  the  truth  of  our  thanks,  not  only  in  speak- 
ing good  of  the  name  of  God,  but  so  ordering  our  conver- 
sation as  becomes  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

And  to  thy  mercy  in  him,  most  merciful  Father,  we 
do  now  humbly  commend  ourselves,  and  all  that  we  are, 
and  have,  this  present  night ;  beseeching  thee  to  pre- 
serve and  defend,  and  bless  and  keep  us,  both  in  soul 
and  body,  from  all  evils  and  dangers,  to  which  the  weak- 
ness of  our  frame,  and  the  greatness  of  our  sins,  do  ex- 
pose us.  And  grant  us  such  comfortable  repose,  whereby 
our  frail  nature  may  be  refreshed,  and  our  decayed 
strength  recovered,  that  we  may  rise  again  better  fitted 
and  enabled  to  serve  thee  according  to  thy  will  in  all 
the  duties  of  the  following  day,  if  thou  shalt  be  pleased 
to  make  addition,  of  anotlier  day  to  our  lives.  And  as 
thou  addest  days  and  mercies,  be  pleased  also  to  adtl 
repentance  and  amendments  to  our  lives ;  that,  as  we 
come  nearer  to  our  end,  we  may  be  made  still  fitter  for 
the  enjoyment  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom ;  that  every 
day  may  bring  us  still  so  much  nearer  to  those  everlast- 
ing joys  and  glories  which  tliou  hast  prepared  for  them 
tl.at  love  thee,     -^id  for  all  the  good  things  that  evei 


SECOND    WEEK.  117 

we  have  had,  and  do  at  present  enjoy,  and  yet  hope  for 
from  thy  bountiful  hands,  thine,  0  blessed  glorious  Lord 
our  God,  be  the  praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  offered 
up  with  all  grateful  hearts,  by  us,  and  the  whole  church, 
now  and  for  evermore,  through  the  merits  and  interces- 
Bion  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Redeemer,  to  whom  be  praise 
and  glory  for  ever.     A77ie7i. 


SATURDAY  MORNING.  Jenks. 

We  do  here  present  ourselves  this  morning  before  thy 
heavenly  glorious  Majesty,  most  blessed  Lord  our  God, 
with  the  desire  of  our  souls,  to  pay  unto  thee  that  tribute 
of  homage  and  service,  and  prayer  and  praise,  which 
thou  hast  made  us  capable  of,  and  every  Avay  obliged  ua 
to.  AVe  desire  to  perform  the  same  in  such  a  manner, 
that  thou  mayest  mercifully  accept  us  and  our  services, 
at  the  hands  of  Christ  Jesus.  In  his  great  name  we  come 
to  thee,  at  thy  command,  and  worship  here  at  thy  foot- 
stool, to  beg  thy  pardon  and  peace,  the  increase  of  thy 
grace,  and  the  tokens  of  thy  love.  For  we  are  not  wor- 
thy that  thou  shouldst  in  any  way  of  mercy  take  notice 
of  us,  or  be  entreated  by  us :  but  worthy  is  the  Lamb  of 
God,  slain  to  take  aAvay  the  sins  of  the  world,  for  Avhose 
sake  do  thou,  0  Lord,  mercifully  look  upon  us ;  for  he 
has  fulfilled  those  holy  laws,  which  we  have  broken,  and 
perfectly  satisfied  the  justice  of  heaven  for  all  our  breaches 
of  them.  And  in  him  thou  art  a  God  gracious  and  mer- 
ciful, to  poor  sinners,  who  deserve  nothing  from  thee, 
but  to  be  forsaken  and  abhorred  by  thee.  Unto  us  be- 
long shame  and  confusion  of  face  for  our  sins,  and  fearful 
expectation  of  all  the  judgments  and  miseries  Avhich  thy 
laws  denounce  against  sinners;  if  thou,  Lord,  shouldst 
be  extreme  to  mark  what  we  have  done  amiss ;  if  thou 
shouldst  deal  Avith  us  and  proceed  against  us  as  in  justice 
thou  mightest. 

But,  0  gracious  Father,  regard  not  what  we  have  done 
against  thee,  but  what  our  blessed  Saviour  has  done  for 


118  SECOND   WEEK. 

us;  not  what  Ave  have  made  ourselves,  but  what  he  is 
made  of  thee,  our  God,  unto  us.  And  0  that  Christ  may 
he  to  ever  J  one  of  our  souls, -what  he  is  to  all  thy  faitli- 
fu]  people,  wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctiiication, 
and  redemption ;  that  his  precious  blood  may  cleanse  ua 
from  all  our  sins ;  and  that  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
may  fui-ther  renew  and  sanctify  our  souls,  and  subdue 
our  iniquities,  and  mortify  our  lusts ;  and  quicken  us  to, 
and  enable  us  for,  the  performance  of  all  the  duties  of 
thy  holy  service.  0  let  not  sin  reign  in  our  mortal 
bodies,  that  we  should  obey  it  in  the  lust  thereof.  Let 
there  be  no  sin  in  us  but  what  is  felt  and  hated,  bewailed 
and  resisted  by  us ;  and  let  us  approve  our  very  hearts 
to  thee,  the  Searcher  of  them ;  and  all  our  ways  be  still 
pleasing  in  thy  sight. 

0  teach  us  to  know  thee,  our  God,  and  enable  us  to  do 
thy  will  as  we  ought  to  do.  Give  us  hearts  to  fear  thee, 
and  love  thee ;  to  trust  and  delight  in  thee,  and  to  adhere 
and  cleave  in  faithfulness  unto  thee.  That  no  tempta- 
tions may  draw  us,  nor  any  tribulations  drive  us  from 
thee;  but  that  all  thy  dispensations  to  us,  and  all  thy 
dealings  with  us,  may  be  the  messengers  of  thy  love  to 
our  souls,  to  bring  us  still  nearer  to  thy  blessed  self,  and 
to  make  us  still  fitter  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Quick- 
en us,  0  Lord,  in  our  dulness ;  that  we  may  not  serve 
thee  in  a  lifeless  and  listless  manner ;  but  may  abound  in 
thy  work,  and  be  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord. 
And  make  us  also  faithful  in  all  the  offices  of  intercourse 
with  our  neighbours ;  that  we  may  be  ready  to  do  good, 
and  bear  evil,  and  forbear  revenge ;  and  be  just  and  kind, 
merciful  and  meek,  peaceable  and  patient,  sober  and  tem- 
perate, humble  and  self-denying,  inoffensive  and  useful 
in  the  world.  That  so  glorifying  thee  here  upon  earth, 
we  may,  at  our  departure  hence,  enter  into  the  joy  of  our 
Lord,  and  be  forever  glorified  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

0  Thou  that  hast  kept  us  alive  to  this  day,  and  hast 
been  still  good  and  kind  to  us  all  our  days,  renew  thy 
mercy  to  us,  we  beseech  thee,  together  with  this  morn- 
ing light ;  and  as  thou  makcBt  the  outgoings  of  the  morn.; 


SECOND  WEEK.  119 

ing  and  evening  to  rejoice,  so  lift  up  the  lignt  of  thy 
countenance  upon  us,  and  make  us  glad  with  the  tokens 
of  thy  love;  and  thou  that  art  ever  present  with  us,  0 
make  us  ever  well  aware  of  thy  presence,  that  we  duly 
remember  thee  in  all  our  ways,  and  wisely  and  piously 
demean  ourselves  in  all  our  affairs.  Be  with  us,  good 
Lord,  at  our  going  out,  and  our  coming  in ;  and  let  tliy 
grace  follow  us  this  day,  and  all  the  days  of  our  life.  Be 
thou  our  guide  unto  death,  in  death  our  comfort,  and 
after  death  our  portion  and  happiness  everlasting.  0 
hear  us  from  heaven,  thy  dwelling-place ;  and,  when  thou 
hearest,  have  mercy ;  forgive  the  sins  of  our  persons,  and 
the  siris  of  our  prayers ;  and  do  more  for  us  than  we  are 
worthy  to  expect  at  thy  hands,  for  his  sake,  who  alone  is 
worthy ;  in  whose  comprehensive  words  we  sum  up  all 
our  desires.     Our  Father,  &;c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  Jenhs. 

0  Lord,  we  desire  to  seek  thy  face,  and  to  wait  upon 
thee  in  the  duties  of  thy  worship ;  entreating  thy  gra- 
cious favour  with  our  whole  hearts,  that  we  may  do  all 
as  we  ought,  with  good  acceptance  to  our  God.  And 
to  whom  should  we  make  our  applications,  but  unto  thee, 
the  Father  of  mercies  and  the  fountain  of  all  goodness, 
wlio  art  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  for  us,  even 
aliove  all  that  we  can  ask  or  think;  and  who  hast  de- 
clared thy  willingness  to  be  solicited  by  us  ;  and  thy  readi- 
ness to  hear,  and  help,  and  answer  us,  in  those  things 
which  we  beg  at  thy  gracious  and  bountiful  hands,  in 
the  name  and  mediation  of  our  great  Lord  and  Saviour: 
0  let  our  prayer  be  set  before  thee  as  incense,  and  the 
lifting  up  of  our  hands  be  as  the  evening  sacrifice.  It  is 
in  his  blessed  name  alone,  that  we  have  the  encourage- 
ment and  boldness  to  beg  of  thy  infinite  goodness  all  that 
thou  knowest  to  be  needful  and  expedient  for  us  ;  seeing 
tiiere  is  in  ourselves  no  good  thing  to  recommend  us  to 
thy  favour  and  acceptance;  but  a  proneness  and  inch- 


120  SECOND   WEEK. 

nation  to  what  is  displeasing  in  thy  eyes,  and  destructive 
to  our  souls.  For  besides  that  we  were  by  nature  the 
children  of  wrath,  a  seed  of  evil  doers,  the  sinful  off- 
spring of  rebellious  parents ;  we  have  been  daily  tres- 
passing upon  thee,  and  still  adding  to  the  heavy  score  of 
our  offences  against  thee.  There  is  nothing  in  us,  0 
Lord,  but  what  may  provoke  thee  to  reject  us  :  but  there 
is  enough  in  thy  beloved  Son,  of  all  grace  and  goodness, 
to  move  thee  mercifully  to  accept  us.  lie  was  made  sin 
for  us,  who  knew  no  sin,  that  we  miglit  be  made  the 
rijjliteousncss  of  God  in  him  ;  and  that  we  min;ht  be  saved 
through  faith  in  his  merits,  where  we  could  not  be  saved 
by  any  desert  of  our  own  works.  As  the  chastisement 
of  our  peace  was  upon  him,  so  let  the  merits  of  his  right- 
eousness be  upon  us ;  and  by  his  stripes  let  our  souls  be 
healed. 

Nor  do  we  only  beg  for  pardon  of  our  sins,  but  also 
for  power  against  them,  and  grace  sufficient  for  us  to 
break  them  off,  and  to  walk  more  pleasingly  before  thee, 
in  all  the  ways  and  duties  of  righteousness  and  holiness, 
which  thy  word  prescribes  to  us.  0  never  suffer  us  to  be 
tempted  above  what  we  are  able ;  but  make  our  tempta- 
tions less,  or  thy  grace  in  us,  and  our  spiritual  strength, 
still  greater  than  all  our  temptations;  that  no  iniquities 
may  prevail  against  us,  nor  any  presumptuous  sin  have 
dominion  over  us.  0  make  us  more  conformal)le  to  the 
pattern  and  tlie  precepts  of  our  Saviour,  and  more  trans- 
formed into  his  holy  image  and  likeness.  So  that  our 
light  may  shine  before  men,  to  the  glory  of  thee  our 
heavenly  Father,  and  to  the  edification  of  those  with 
whom  we  have  our  conversation. 

And  together  with  our  own,  we  commend  to  thy 
mercy,  0  God  of  the  sj)irits  of  all  ticsh,  the  necessities 
and  distresses  of  all  our  brethren  throughout  the  world. 
O  enlighten  the  ignorant,  quicken  the  careless,  awake 
the  secure,  convince  the  erroneous,  reclaim  the  vicious, 
establish  the  unsettled,  and  comfort  the  dejected.  Bring 
all  to  the  knowledge  and  love  of  thy  truth,  and  to  the 
participation  of  thy  grace,  and  the  obedience  of  Christ 


SECOND  WEEK.  121 

and  so  to  the  blbssed  hope  of  thy  heavenly  glory,  and  to 
the  eternal  salvation  of  our  souls.  We  pray  more  par- 
ticularly for  all  our  magistrates  and  ministers  of  the  gos- 
pel ;  and  all  our  friends  and  relations ;  and  all  thy  ser- 
vants ;  and  all  the  afflicted  every  where  ;  especially  those 
for  whose  happiness  and  salvation  thou  knowest  us  to  be 
chiefly  concerned.  0  do  thou  for  us,  and  for  them,  as 
thou  knowest  best,  and  most  needful  and  expedient,  for 
thy  own  mercy's  sake  in  Jesus  Christ. 

*To  thee  we  now  render  humble  and  hearty  thanks 
for  thy  mercy  to  our  family  during  another  week.  We 
thank  thee  that  during  its  days  and  nights  thou  hast 
watched  around  our  dwelling  —  hast  met  our  returning 
wants  —  hast  given  us  food  convenient  for  us,  and  the 
protection  of  raiment,  and  a  home.  We  praise  thee  that 
so  many  of  our  friends  have  been  continued  to  us ;  and 
that  thou  dost  still  preserve  to  us  the  enjoyments  of  a 
Christian  land.  Thou  hast  in  mercy  brought  us  again 
near  to  the  day  of  sacred  rest.  If  it  be  thy  good  pleasure 
to  keep  us  through  this  night  —  which  we  humbly  im- 
plore— we  pray  that  thou  wilt  prepare  us  for  the  duties 
of  another  holy  day.  Awake  us  in  the  morning  with  a 
lively  sense  of  thy  mercies ;  with  a  spirit  of  prayer ;  with 
hearts  fitted  to  be  impressed  by  religious  truth  ;  and  with 
a  deep  conviction  of  thy  goodness  in  the  resurrection  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  from  the  grave.  Go  with  us,  if  we  may 
go,  to  the  house  of  worship  ;  and  meet  us  in  the  sanctuary 
and  bless  us.  Aid  all  thy  ministering  servants,  that  they 
may  declare  thy  truth  with  simplicity  and  power.  May 
thy  Spirit  descend  on  the  churches;  on  all  Sunday 
schools ;  and  on  all  who  are  engaged  in  designs  of  bene- 
volence ;  and  may  the  morrow  be  a  day  long  to  be  re- 
membered in  Zion,  and  the  time  soon  come  Avhen  thy 
Sabbath  shall  be  observed  by  all  the  family  of  mankind.* 

And  now  that  the  night  is  upon  us,  and  we  are  ready 
to  betake  ourselves  to  our  rest,  we  commit  ourselves  to 
thy  gracious  protection,  who  never  sleepest  nor  slum- 
berest,  but  hast  still  a  watchful  eye  upon  thy  people.  0 
watch  over  us,  our  God,  we  pray  thee,  for  good;  that 
6  L 


122  THIRD  WEEK. 

none  of  the  evils  or  harms  which  our  sins  have  deserved 
may  befall  us.  Preserve  us  from  the  works,  and  from 
the  powers  of  darkness,  and  from  all  the  terrors  and 
dangers  of  the  night.  Let  all  our  sins,  to-day  or  any 
time  heretofore  committed,  be  removed  out  of  thy  sight, 
and  show  us  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  0  Lord,  to 
refresh  us  with  the  sense  of  thy  blessed  love  and  favour, 
in  our  dear  Redeemer;  for  whom,  and  to  whom,  with 
thy  eternal  self,  and  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  thanks,  and 
praise,  and  honour,  and  glory,  ascribed  of  us  and  all  thy 
church,  from  this  time  forth,  world  without  end.  Amen. 


THIRD  WEEK. 


SABBATH  MORNING.  Smith 

0  Tnou  who  art  the  Author  and  Preserver  of  our  lives, 
unto  thee  we  would  now  lift  up  our  voice  and  our  hearts. 
Teach  us  to  approach  unto  thee  with  that  reverence  which 
becometh  all  thy  creatures;  and  vouchsafe  to  draw  near 
unto  us,  as  a  God  of  pity,  of  mercy,  and  of  grace. 

We  adore  thee,  0  God,  who  hast  made  us  for  thy  ser- 
vice; that  thou  hast  given  us  thy  word  to  direct  us  in 
thy  worship ;  and  that  one  day  in  every  seven  of  our 
lives  is  appointed  for  this  purpose.  As  the  unworthy, 
but  professing  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ,  who  hope  for  ac- 
ceptance only  througli  his  merits  and  mediation,  we  would 
now  offer  up  our  morning  sacrifice  to  the  God,  and  Father, 
and  fountain  of  all.  This  is  the  day  which  thou  hast  made ; 
the  day  upon  which  thy  Son  rose  from  the  dead,  finish- 
ing the  work  of  our  redemption ;  that  happy  day  when 
the  love  of  God,  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  fellow- 
fihip  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  be  humbly  expected  where- 
ever  two  or  three  are  met  together  in  tlie  name  of  the 
adorable  Trinity.     Wilt  thou  then,  0  most  high  and  in- 


THIRD   WEEK.  123 

eomprehensible  Jehovah  !  accept  of  the  dedication  which 
we  now  make  thee  of  our  bodies  and  souls  ? 

We  are  sensible  that  we  have  rendered  ourselves  un- 
worthy of  thy  notice,  having  lost  thy  image,  and  broken 
thy  commandments.  But,  God  of  all  grace,  thou  art  in 
Christ  again  reconciling  a  guilty  world  unto  thyself,  not 
imputing  unto  men  their  trespasses ;  and,  therefore,  we 
would  now  believingly,  although  humbly,  draw  near, 
asking  and  hoping  every  thing  for  his  sake.  Let  those 
sins  which  we  have  formerly  committed  against  much 
goodness,  much  love,  and  much  light,  be  all  blotted  out 
of  the  book  of  thy  remembrance.  Let  these  worthless 
souls  of  ours  be  clothed  with  the  wedding  garment  of  a 
Redeemer's  righteousness,  that  we  may  thus  be  inte- 
rested in  the  privileges  of  his  kingdom.  0  thou  Giver  of 
every  good  and  perfect  gift,  create  in  us  all  clean  hearts, 
and  renew  right  spirits  within  us,  that  we  may  love  thee 
— that  we  may  fear  thee — that  it  may  be  as  our  meat 
and  our  drink  at  all  times  to  do  thy  holy  will.  We  thank 
thee,  0  God,  for  that  providential  care  and  goodness 
which  thou  hast  exercised  towards  us  during  the  past 
week,  and  the  past  night.  Prepare  us  for  all  the  duties 
in  which  we  are  this  day  to  be  engaged.  When  we  are 
allowed  to  enter  into  thine  earthly  temple,  let  all  worldly 
wishes,  worldly  cares,  and  worldly  thoughts  of  every  sort, 
be  banished  from  our  minds.  Enable  us  to  sing  thy 
praises  with  gratitude  in  our  hearts.  Grant  that  we  may 
read  thy  holy  Scriptures  for  our  instruction  and  comfort. 
May  the  prayers  which  we  shall  this  day  offer  up  for 
ourselves  and  others,  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  thy  glory, 
be  accepted ;  and  let  thy  word  preached  enlighten  our 
understandings,  spiritualize  our  hopes,  confirm  our  faith, 
rekindle  our  love,  and  inspire  us  with  new  resolutions  to 
live  more  becoming  the  professions  we  make,  and  the 
privileges  we  enjoy. 

And  when  we  return  from  thy  house,  forbid,  0  God, 
that  we  should  spend  any  part  of  thy  day  in  thinking 
our  own  thoughts,  speaking  our  own  words,  or  minding 
our  own  pleasures ;  but  let  it  be  ar.  entire  Sabbath  of 


1'24  THIRD   WEEK. 

rest  unto  our  souls,  refiecting  upon  what  we  have  heard, 
laying  up  thv  doctrines  and  precepts  in  our  memories, 
examining  by  thy  word  and  Spirit,  into  our  state ;  and 
renewing,  by  thine  all-sufficient  grace,  our  broken  tows, 
»nd  unfulfilled  engagements. 

And  thus,  0  Father,  into  whose  hau'is  we  have  com- 
mitied  our  immortal  spirits,  by  thus  wisely  and  profitably 
Q)ending  our  Sabbaths  on  earth,  may  we  all  be  traine^i 
np  and  prepared  for  that  eternal  Sabbath  in  heaven, 
where  we  shall  see  thee  as  thou  art,  feel  all  thy  perfec- 
tions conspiring  to  make  us  happy,  join  in  endless  wor- 
ship with  an  innumerable  company  of  angels  and  digni- 
fie'i  spirits,  be  introduced  into  thy  presence,  where  there 
is  fulness  of  joy,  and  be  admiued  to  sit  down  at  thy 
right  hand,  where  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

O  Lord,  might  we  still  intercede  in  behalf  of  our  bre- 
thren of  mankind !  Thou  hast  promised  by  the  blood 
of  thy  covenant,  to  speak  peace  unto  the  heathen.  So«3n. 
O  God,  give  them  to  thy  Son  as  his  inheritance,  with 
the  utmost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession.  Where 
the  gospel  is  preached  and  professed,  may  multitudes  he 
converted,  and  made  a  willing  people  in  the  day  of  thy 
power.  Pour  out,  0  God,  a  double  portion  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  upon  all  the  ministers  of  the  everlasting  gospel ; 
and  may  they  be  enabled  to  discharge  the  important 
trust  commined  to  them  with  fidelity  and  diligence,  with 
thy  approbation,  and  with  abundant  success.  Let  the 
churches  with  which  we  are  more  imme<liately  connected 
have  rest ;  and  walking  together  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  comforts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  thej  be  edified 
and  multiplicl. 

Our  relatives  and  friends,  wherever  they  are,  may 
their  bodies  be  the  objects  of  thy  providential  care,  and 
all  their  souls  the  subjects  of  thy  saving  grace.  K  it 
be  thy  will,  let  us  have  many  comfortable  and  useful 
meetings  in  this  world,  and  may  none  of  us  be  found 
wanting  in  that  day  when  thou  countest  thy  jewels. 
Such  as  may  now  be  more  imme^liately  under  thy  af- 
flicting hand,  0  God,  console,  support,  and  in  thy  dutf 


THIRD  WEEK.  125 

time  deliver ;  and  mav  we  all  have  an  interest  in  tliat 
sure  promise,  that  all  things  at  last  shall  vcrk  togethei 
for  good. 

2i^ow,  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  and  rnvisihle, 
the  onlv  wise  God,  be  honour  and  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


SABBATH  E^^:^TS'G.  SmiiL 

OuE  Father  that  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy  sacred 
name.  For  we,  that  are  in  ourselves  but  as  dust  and 
ashes,  have,  nevertheless,  been  permitted  again  and 
again  this  day  to  draw  near  and  supplicate  at  the  throne 
of  thy  grace.  We  confess,  that  even  the  iniquities  of 
our  holy  things  testify  against  us  ;  and  hadst  thou  been 
strict  to  mark  our  vain,  polluted,  and  sinful  thoughts, 
even  in  thy  worship,  thou  mightest  have  cast  us  off. 
But,  0  Lord,  we  admire,  and  adore;  and  would  even 
rejoice  in  these  gracious  declarations,  which  thou  hast 
given  us  in  thy  word,  that  thou  takest  no  pleasure  in 
the  destruction  of  sinners :  and  knowing  our  frame,  re- 
membering we  are  but  dust,  and  therefore  exactino'  of 
us  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve,  thou  art  long-suffer- 
ing, slow  to  anger,  fall  of  compassion,  and  plenreons  in 
mercy. 

Blessed  God,  may  every  remming  consideraticL  :f 
thy  glorious  attributes,  but  esp^ecially  these  astcmislii.-- 
erp.ressions  of  thy  loving-kindjiess  and  tender  mercv  to 
the  hmnan  race,  so  conquer  and  soften  our  hard  'and 
stony  hearts,  as  that  they  may  now  melt  down,  and  flow 
out,  in  ardent  love,  and  humble  gratitude ;  thus  ending 
thy  day.  as  we  sweetly  began  it,  with  thine  easy  yoke, 
in  thy  delightfal  service. 

0  GckI,  keep  us  in  patient  waiting  imtD  that  crlorious 
hour,  when  we  may  hope  to  join  that  blessed  companv 
around  thy  throne,  and  sing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the 
Lamb.  Make  us  thankful  for  tlxose  communications  of 
thj  love  and  grace,  which,  but  tasted  here  below,  dve 

L2 


126  THIRD    WEEK. 

more  true  peace,  and  solid  pleasure,  than  the  men  of  the 
world  enjoy,  when  their  corn,  and  wine,  and  creature 
comforts,  do  most  abound. 

0  God,  give  us  a  greater  relish  for  these  pure  and  spi- 
ritual joys.  We  long  to  have  more  of  the  temper  and 
disposition  of  the  holy  Psalmist,  Avhen  he  said,  "  As  the 
hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul 
after  thee,  0  God !"  We  wish  to  say,  "  How  amiable 
are  thy  tabernacles,  0  Lord  of  Hosts  !  a  day  spent  in  thy 
courts,  is  better  than  a  thousand  otherwise  employed." 

Lord,  grant  that  the  worship  and  services  in  which  we 
have  lately  been  engaged,  may  be  followed  not  only  by 
thy  gracious  pardon,  but  with  thy  efficacious  benediction. 
May  neither  the  cares  nor  the  pleasures  of  this  world 
destroy  the  seed  of  the  word  which  may  have  been  this 
day  sown  in  our  hearts ;  but  may  it  spring  up,  and  beai 
fruit,  some  thirty,  sixty,  or  an  hundred  fold. 

We  have  desired  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  that  we 
may  grow  thereby.  We  are  one  Sabbath  day's  journey 
nearer  the  end  of  life.  God  grant  that  we  be  nearer  to 
heaven  in  oui*  tempers,  in  our  conduct,  in  our  desires  and 
affections. 

From  this  night  we  would  desire  to  lead  a  life  more 
conformable  to  the  holy  gospel  Ave  profess,  and  to  the 
glorious  hopes  we  are  permitted  to  entertain. 

Will  the  Lord  be  pleased  to  follow  Avith  his  blessing 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel  every  where !  Wherever 
the  name  of  Christ  hath  this  day  been  named,  may  mul- 
titudes see  their  need  of  his  salvation,  and  be  constrained 
to  fly  to  him  as  their  city  of  refuge.  And,  let  the  glo- 
rious period  spoken  of  in  an  ancient  prophecy,  soon 
come,  when  the  whole  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knoAV- 
ledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  Avaters  cover  the  channel  of 
the  sea. 

Will  God  be  pleased  to  hear  the  intercessions  Avhich 
have  this  day  been  put  up  through  all  his  churches ;  more 
especially  for  our  native  country,  the  gOA'crnment  under 
which  we  live,  thy  church  as  established  among  us,  and  all 
sects  and  denominations  of  real  Christians.  Be  pleased,  0 


THIRD  WEEK.  127 

Lord,  to  pardon  what  may  have  been  asked  amiss ;  and 
where  thy  servants  may  have  neglected  to  ask  for  needful 
blessings  to  themselves  and  others,  do  thou,  of  tliine  infi- 
nite goodness,  supply  the  deficiency.  And  now,  0  God, 
permit  us  to  commend  our  bodies  and  souls  to  thy  pater- 
nal care  this  night.  Thou  art  the  keeper  of  Israel,  who 
never  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth.  Give  us  composed  and 
refreshing  sleep.  Be  at  our  right  hand,  and  we  will  not 
fear  what  evil  men  or  evil  spirits  can  do  to  us ;  and  hav- 
ing found  that  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  and  defence  all 
the  night  long,  may  Ave  awake  in  the  morning  disposed 
to  meditate  upon  thy  goodness  and  mercy.  0  may  we 
live  in  thy  love  and  fear  all  our  days,  and  improve  by 
every  dispensation  of  thy  providence  and  grace,  and  at 
last  be  admitted,  with  all  ours,  into  thy  heavenly  king- 
dom. We  ask  and  hope  for  every  blessing,  in  the  name, 
and  for  the  sake,  of  our  dear  Redeemer.     Amen. 


MONDAY  MORNING.  Smith, 

Incomprehensible,  but  infinitely  great  and  glorious 
Jehovah !  we  are  again  this  morning  permitted  to  lift  up 
our  hearts  and  voice  unto  thee.  Thou  didst  at  the  first 
make  man  after  thine  own  image,  a  little  lower  than  the 
angels,  and  crowned  him  with  honour  and  with  glory; 
but  our  first  parents  broke  thy  covenant,  and  we  have 
fallen  from  this  holy  and  happy  condition,  into  a  state  of 
guilt,  pollution,  and  misery. 

We  are  but  of  yesterday,  and  know  nothing.  We  are 
a  seed  of  evil-doers,  who  have  gone  astray  from  every 
right  path ;  and  thy  pure  and  perfect  law  hath  justly  con- 
cluded us  all  under  sin,  that  every  mouth  may  be  stop- 
ped, and  the  whole  world  become  guilty  before  God. 

But  thou  hast  not  left  us  altogether,  nor  in  any  age  in 
this  dark  and  forlorn  situation.  For,  when  the  world  by 
wisdom  knew  not  God,  and  the  way  of  man  was  not  in 
himself,  God,  at  su]idry  times,  and  in  divers  manners, 
Bpake  in  times  past  to  our  fathers  by  the  prophets,  and 


128  THIRD   WEEK. 

in  these  last  days  hath  spolccn  still  more  cleailj  and  fully 
by  his  own  Son. 

0  God,  our  Father,  through  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  engage  us  afl  to  make  a  saving  application  of  this 
Son  of  thine,  as  the  Lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world;  and  to  whom  all  the  prophets  gave  witness, 
and  now  once  in  the  end  of  tlie  world  hath  appeared  to 
put  away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself. 

Receive,  we  beseech  thee,  0  God,  this  morning,  our 
sincere  and  united  thanks  for  that  protection  which  thou 
hast  afforded  us,  and  the  refreshing  sleep  we  have  en- 
joyed during  the  past  night.  Be  with  us,  0  our  heavenly 
Father,  through  the  whole  of  this  day,  and  of  this  Aveek, 
whose  secular  employments  we  are  now  about  to  enter 
upon.  In  all  our  transactions  with  the  world,  may  we 
be  conscientiously  just,  knowing  that  all  who  do  unright- 
eously are  an  abomination  unto  the  Lord. 

Let  us  guide  our  afiairs  with  discretion,  so  as  that  we 
may  have  it  in  our  power  to  show  favour,  and  assist  our 
neighbour,  in  whatsoever  business  he  hath  need  of  us,  as 
becometh  saints. 

Enable  us,  0  God,  upon  all  occasions,  and  in  all  situa- 
tions, to  show  mercy,  that  we  may  never  have  judgment 
without  mercy  from  thee.  If  thou  shouldst  see  meet  to 
crown  our  lawful  endeavours,  so  as  that  we  increase  and 
abound  in  the  good  things  of  this  life,  Lord,  let  our  rising 
in  the  world  go  hand  in  hand  with  the  preservation  and 
comfortable  subsistence  of  all  around  us. 

But,  0,  let  us  take  heed  from  morning  to  night,  lest  at 
any  time  our  hearts  be  ovcrchai-gcd  with  the  cares  of  this 
;ife  ;  for  thou  hast  expressly  said,  "  He  that  makelh  haste 
to  be  rich,  shall  not  be  innocent." 

Lord,  deliver  us  from  the  inordinate  love  of  money, 
which  is  the  root  of  all  evil ;  which,  while  some  coveted 
after,  they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  them- 
selves through  with  many  sorrows. 

0  Lord,  we  would  not  be  over-anxious  to  lay  up  for 
ourselves  treasures  on  earth,  where  moth  and  rust  doto 
corrupt,  and  where  thieves  may  break  through  and  steal ; 


THIRD   WEEK.  129 

but  would  be  laying  up  for  ourselves  treasures  in  heaven, 
that  where  our  treasure  is,  there  our  hearts  may  be  also 
forever. 

Lord,  we  would  keep  alive  upon  our  minds,  both  the 
shortness  and  the  uncertainty  of  time.  May  this  engage 
us  to  redeem  it,  and  so  to  number  all  our  days,  as  to  be 
applying  them  toward  an  habitual  preparation  for  death. 
Lord,  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  Forgive  us  our 
numberless  failings,  and  short-comings  in  duty.  Forbid 
that  Ave  indulge  either  envy  or  malice  in  our  hearts  to- 
ward any  fellow-creature.  If  it  be  thy  holy  will,  may  we 
fall  into  no  temptation,  but  which  thou  wilt  enable  us  to 
resist  and  overcome.  And  in  the  evening  may  we  return 
to  a  throne  of  grace,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offence, 
and  a  heart  replenished  with  gratitude  to  God,  for  the 
privileges  and  blessings  of  another  day.  Now  unto  the 
Three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word, 
and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  ascribed,  as  is  most  due,  ali 
praise,  and  power,  dominion,  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


MONDAY  EVENING.  Smith. 

Our  Father,  in  heaven— evening,  as  well  as  morning, 
would  we  approach  thy  more  immediate  presence,  widi 
our  humble  tribute  of  adoration  and  praise.  Thou  art 
he  greatest  an<l  the  best  of  beings.  There  is  none  like 
unto  thee  in  all  the  earth.  Among  the  gods  there  is 
none  like  unto  thee,  0  Lord!  none  like  unto  thee  in 
heaven  above,  or  on  the  earth  beneath.  Thou  art  the 
eternal  God,  with  whom  a  thousand  years  are  as  one 
day,  and  one  day  as  a  thousand  years. 

Of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth,  and 
the  heavens  are  the  work  of  thy  hands :  they  shall  perish, 
but  thou  Shalt  endure ;  yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax  old  like 
a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  change  them,  and  they 
shall  be  changed :  but  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy  yeara 
Bhall  have  no  end. 
6* 


130  THIRD  WEEK 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place,  heholding 
the  evil  and  the  good. 

How  then  "  shall  we  go  from  thy  Spirit,  or  whither 
shall  we  flee  from  thy  presence?  If  we  ascend  up  into 
heaven,  thou  art  there ;  if  we  make  our  bed  in  hell,  be- 
hold, thou  art  tliere:  if  we  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall 
cover  us,  even  the  night  shall  be  light  about  us :  for  the 
dai'kness  hideth  not  from  thee,  but  the  night  shineth  as 
the  day;  tlie  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to 
tliee." 

How  then  ought  our  hearts  to  tremble,  0  Lord,  when 
we  consider  also  that  thou  art  infinitely  pure  and  just ! 
Thou  art  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  whose  name  is  holy, 
and  who  dwellest  in  the  high  and  holy  place. 

And  surely  God  will  not  do  wickedly,  neither  will  the 
Almighty  pervert  judgment :  for  the  work  of  a  man  will 
he  render  unto  him,  and  cause  every  man  to  find  accord- 
ing to  his  ways.  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  this,  we  lift  up 
our  heads  and  hearts  in  hope.  Blessed  be  God's  name 
for  that  reviving  declaration :  "  0  Israel,  thou  hast  de- 
stroyed thyself,  but  in  me  is  thine  help."  To  bring 
about  our  salvation,  thou  didst  not  spare  thy  Son ;  but 
in  due  time  sent  him  into  the  world.  We  rejoice  that 
Christ  came  not  to  do  away  the  law,  but  to  fulfil  it ;  that 
by  fulfilling  all  righteousness,  he  became  the  Mediator 
of  a  better  covenant ;  that  by  his  death  upon  the  cross, 
the  hand-writing  of  ordinances,  that  was  against  us,  is 
blotted  out ;  for  he  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to 
his  cross.  By  him  we  have  now  received  the  atonement ; 
and  to  him  alone  we  look,  and  in  him  alone  would  we 
confide  as  our  Mediator  and  Advocate  with  the  Father. 
Yea,  doubtless,  and  we  would  count  all  things  but  loss 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  that  we  muy  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him ;  not 
having  our  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but 
that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  even  the  right- 
eousness which  is  of  God  by  faith. 

Lord,  enable  us  to  walk  worthy  cf  this  holy  vocation 
wnerewith  we  are  called,  and  to  put  our  trust  in  thee, 


THIRD   WEEK.  131 

that  we  may  never  be  ashamed,  and  that  thou  mayest 
deliver  us  in  thy  righteousness.  0  that  we  could  at  all 
times  say,  Whom  have  we  in  heaven  but  God  ?  and 
there  is  ixone  upon  earth  that  we  desire  in  comparison 
with  him :  our  flesh  and  our  heart  faileth,  but  he  is  the 
strength  of  our  heart,  and,  we  would  hope,  our  portion 
for  ever. 

Lord,  help  us  to  consider  that  the  end  of  all  things,  as 
to  us,  may  be  near  at  hand,  and  therefore  Ave  should  be 
sober,  and  watch  unto  prayer;  looking  diligently  unto 
ourselves,  lest  any  of  us  fail  of  the  grace  of  God ;  and  so 
numbering  all  our  days,  as  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts 
unto  true  Avisdom. 

God  grant  that  we  may  never  be  like  the  men  of  the 
world,  which  have  all  their  portion  in  this  life,  and  Avho 
say  of  it,  "  This  is  my  rest,  here  Avill  I  dwell,  for  I  have 
desired  it ;"  but,  on  the  contrary,  finding  that  for  true 
happiness  we  here  have  laboured  in  vain,  and  spent  our 
strength  for  nought,  and  that  all  our  days  are  vanity, 
may  Ave  cry  out,  I  loathe  it,  I  Avould  not  live  ahvays  !  0, 
that  I  had  Avings  like  a  dove  !  for  then  would  I  fly  aAva}'', 
and  be  at  rest.  Lord,  keep  us  ever  in  a  waiting  posture, 
and  enable  us  to  see  thy  hand,  and  to  acknoAvledge  thy 
will,  in  CA'cry  thing  that  befalls  us. 

For  the  health  of  body  and  composure  of  mind  Avhich 
we  have  this  day  enjoyed,  we  would,  express  our  thank- 
fulness to  a  gracious  God.  Be  with  us,  heavenly  Father, 
during  the  silent  Avatches  of  the  ensuing  night.  Pre- 
serve us  still  from  disease  of  body,  and  from  distress  of 
mind :  or,  if  it  should  be  thy  Avill  that  we  receive  such 
chastisements  from  thy  hand.  Lord,  give  us  patience  to 
endure  them,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  them  in  due  time. 
Let  the  putting  off  of  our  clothes  this  night  remind  us 
of  the  putting  off  of  these  mortal  bodies,  Avhich  must, 
ere  long,  return  to  the  dust :  and  0  grant  that  avc  may 
be  both  habitually  and  actually  prepared  for  the  impor- 
tant event.  May  the  like  blessings,  both  temporal  and 
spiritual,  be  bestOAved  upon  all  who  are  near  and  dear 
to  us.     In  thy  fear  and  love,  and  in  mutual  good  offices. 


132  THIRD   WEEK 

may  we  live  Avhilst  in  this  world,  and  ere  long  meet 
tofrether  in  that  kinjrdom,  and  in  those  mansions,  which 
our  dear  Redeemer  hath  been  preparmg  from  the  be- 
ginning of  time. 

In  his  name  we  ask  every  blessing ;  and  to  him,  with 
thee,  0  Father,  and  the  Eternal  Spirit,  be  all  praise, 
and  honour,  and  glory.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  MORNING.  Smith. 

0  Thou  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  things,  behold  us 
again,  this  morning,  at  the  footstool  of  thy  throne.  AVe 
draw  near,  permitted  and  encouraged  by  thy  word,  to 
adore  thy  perfections,  and  to  give  thee  thanks  for  the 
many  favours  conferred  upon  us.  We  come  also  to  con- 
fess our  demerit  and  sinfulness,  and  to  plead  for  thy  par- 
doning mercy  and  recovering  grace.  And  who  is  like 
unto  thee,  0  thou  great,  eternal,  invisible,  and  incom- 
prcliensible  Object  of  our  spiritual  worship  !  Before  all 
tilings  thou  didst  exist ;  from  everlasting  to  everlasting 
thou  art  the  only  living  and  true  God,  infinite  in  wisdom, 
power,  goodness  and  mercy.  Of  thy  good-will  and  plea- 
sure thou  didst  at  first  bring  us  out  of  nothing  into  exist- 
ence. But  that  rank  of  being  which  we  hold  in  the  scale 
of  creation,  demands  our  further  and  most  grateful  ac- 
knowledgment. We  are  wiser  than  the  fowls  of  heaven 
and  have  more  understanding  than  the  beasts  that  perish. 
We  bless  God  that  we  are  endued  with  rational  and  im- 
mortal souls,  and  made  capable  of  knowing,  worshipping, 
and  enjoying  him.  We  would  express  our  thankfulness 
this  morning  for  all  that  care,  protection,  and  kindness, 
which  we  have  experienced  from  our  birth  to  the  present 
hour ;  for  sparing  us  in  childhood,  guiding  us  in  youth, 
and  preserving  us  amidst  the  numberless  diseases  and 
dangers  of  riper  years.  We  thank  thee  for  our  daily 
food,  for  our  warm  and  decent  clothing,  for  all  tlie  ne- 
cessaries of  life,  and  those  many  convcniencics  and  com- 
forts wliich  we  enjoy  beyond  thousands  of  our  follow 


THIRD  AVEEK  133 

srcatures  around  us.  But,  above  all,  we  would  ever 
adore  and  praise  God  for  his  inestimable  love  and  grace 
in  Jesus  Christ. 

We  had  destroyed  ourselves,  but  in  God  there  was 
help  found.  When  there  was  no  eye  to  pity,  nor  hand 
to  help,  he  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 
We  believe  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  is  the  only  true  Mes- 
siah, and  that  he  died  for  our  offences,  and  rose  again  for 
our  justification. 

We  fly  to  thee  in  him,  as  the  alone  foundation  for  par- 
don, reconciliation,  adoption  into  the  family  of  heaven, 
and  every  spiritual  blessing.  0  let  the  Holy  Spirit  be 
given  unto  us,  to  seal  our  souls  unto  the  day  of  redemp- 
tion. Let  him  be  as  a  Spirit  of  wisdom  to  guide  us  at 
all  times ;  as  a  Spirit  of  holiness,  to  regenerate  and  cleanse 
our  souls  from  every  impure  desire;  and  as  a  Spirit  of 
might  and  power,  to  strengthen  us,  that  we  may  neither 
be  ashamed  nor  afraid,  when  we  have  respect  unto  all  thy 
commandments.  Lord,  we  are  poor,  short-sighted  crea- 
tures, and  know  not  what  temporal  blessings  to  ask  at 
thy  hands;  for  we  know  not  what  shall  eventually  be 
best  for  us.  If  consistent  with  thy  will,  may  we  hope 
that  goodness  and  mercy  shall  still  follow  us. 

What  are  we,  and  what  is  our  father's  house,  that  thou 
hast  brought  us  up  hitherto?  When  we  think  of  what 
we  have  received,  0  God,  and  compare  it  with  what  we 
deserve,  we  are  lost  in  wonder  and  astonishment  at  thy 
goodness.  Let  it  not  be  altogether  lost :  may  it  lead  us 
to  gratitude  and  humility,  to  repentance,  and  to  a  mind- 
fulness of  our  latter  end :  for  we  know  not  what  is  be- 
tween us  and  the  grave.  Thou  mayest  yet  see  meet  to 
teach  us  in  the  school  of  adversity.  Help  us  then  to 
say,  "It  is  the  Lord's  will,  let  him  do  what  seemeth  hira 
good.  Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of  the  Lord, 
and  shall  we  not  also  receive  evil?"  Lay  not  upon  us 
more  than  thou  wilt  enable  us  to  bear,  that  the  issue  of 
all  shall  be  to  thy  glory,  and  for  our  greater  good. 

Lord,  accept  of  our  sincere  thanks  for  that  freedom 
from  pain,  both  of  body  and  mind,  which  we  have  en- 

M 


134  THIRD   WEEK. 

joyed  during  the  past  night.  There  are  many  no  douht, 
whose  cry,  during  the  lingering  hours,  hath  heen,  Would 
God  it  Avere  morning !  and  Avho  even  now  (the  distress 
remaining)  may  be  saying.  Would  (jod  it  were  evening ! 
Lord  God,  take  pity  upon  such,  and  in  thy  good  time  re- 
lieve them :  and  elevate  all  our  hearts  towards  that  time 
and  place,  when  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our 
eyes,  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death ;  neither  sorrow 
nor  crying ;  neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain  ;  the 
former  things  being  for  ever  passed  away.  Until  this 
period  come,  until  death,  Avhich  leadcth  unto  it,  may  Ave 
all  be  kept  in  a  waiting  posture.  May  we  watch  as  well 
as  pray,  that  we  be  actually  as  well  as  hahitaally,  pre- 
pared for  death :  for  blessed  are  those  servants  whom  the 
Lord,  when  he  cometh,  shall  find  watching.  Now,  unto 
Him  that  supplieth  all  our  need,  according  to  his  riches 
in  glory,  by  Jesus  Christ ;  to  the  Three  that  bear  record 
in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
be  honour  and  glory,  thanksgiving  and  praise,  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  Smith. 

God  of  all  goodness  and  grace,  hear  our  prayer  this 
evening,  and  give  ear  to  the  Avords  of  our  mouth.  We 
would  call  upon  thee,  who  alone  art  Avorthy  to  be  praised, 
and  who  hast  given  us  reason  to  hope  that  thou  wilt  send 
out  thy  light  and  thy  truth,  to  lead  and  bring  us  to  thy 
holy  hill,  even  unto  a  throne  of  grace,  where  we  may 
obtain  mercy  to  pardon,  and  grace  to  help  in  time  of 
need.  We  know,  and  would  have  ever  deeply  impressed 
on  our  minds,  that  the  Lord,  he  is  great,  and  that  our 
Lord  is  above  all  gods.  Thou  remainest  for  ever  the 
same,  and  thy  throne  is  from  generation  to  generation. 
One  day  is  with  thee  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a  thou- 
sand years  as  one  day.  The  Most  High,  whom  we 
"would  now  worship,  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  with 
hands.     Heaven  is  his  throne,  and  the  earth  is  his  foot* 


THIRD   WEEK.  135 

«tool ;  yet  his  eyes  run  to  and  fro  through  the  world  : 
from  the  place  of  thy  habitation  thou  lookest  down  upcm 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,  and  considerest  all  their 
works.  There  is  no  iniquity  with  the  Lord  our  God: 
thou  art  the  Lord  who  lovest  righteousness,  and  exer- 
cisest  judgment  in  the  earth ;  and  thou  hast  appointed 
a  day  when  thou  wilt  judge  the  world  in  righteousness. 
What  then  must  become  of  us,  0  Lord,  who  have  al- 
ways been  ungrateful,  and  so  often  broken  thy  most 
just  and  easy  commandments  ?  To  us,  indeed,  0  God, 
belongeth  shame  and  confusion  of  face ;  and  more 
especially  when  we  think  of  thy  holiness,  and  our  im- 
purity and  sinfulness. 

Thou  didst  create  us  after  thy  image,  but  Ave  have  let 
it  be  defaced.  Thou  hast  favoured  us  with  the  light  of 
revelation ;  but  we  have  loved  the  ways  and  works  of 
darkness.  Thy  law,  0  God,  which  is  exceeding  broad, 
hath  been  often  read  to  us,  and  its  precepts  impressed  on 
our  minds,  but  in  hoAV  many  instances  have  we  trans- 
gressed against  it ! 

0  deal  not  with  us  according  to  oiu-  folly,  but  see  our 
shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of  thine  Anointed ;  that 
he,  like  unto  Aaron  of  old,  may  bear  our  iniquity,  and 
we  be  accepted  at  a  throne  of  grace  through  him. 

We  look  to  Christ  alone  for  acceptance  with  the  Fa- 
ther, Avho  blotted  out  the  hand-writing  of  ordinances  that 
was  against  us,  and  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to 
his  cross ;  even  thy  Son,  0  God,  who  thus  (as  it  became 
him)  fulfilled  all  righteousness  ;  and  being  the  Mediator 
of  a  better  covenant,  brought  in  a  better  hope,  by  the 
which  hope  we  draw  nigh  unto  God.  And  thus  looking, 
0  God,  and  thus  hoping,  we  Avould  not  only  humbly  ex- 
pect the  pardon  of  all  our  sins,  but  even  a  comfortable 
persuasion  thereof  in  our  own  minds,  with  all  those  ad- 
vantages which  accompany  or  flow  from  it. 

Lord,  give  us  that  best  of  evidences  Avhich  ariseih 
from  a  conformity  of  mind  and  will  to  thee,  and  to  our 
blessed  Master.  Let  us  have  grace,  whereby  we  may 
»er  'e  God  acceptably.     None  of  us  would  henceforward 


l.*6  THIRD   WEEK. 

live  niito  ourselves.  We  are  not  our  own,  for  we  are 
bought  with  a  price.  May  we  therefore  glorify  God  in 
our  body,  and  in  our  spirit,  which  are  God's. 

We  would,  we  hope  and  trust,  form  sincere  resolu- 
tions this  evening,  to  live  more  and  more  soberly,  hon- 
estly and  godly,  in  this  present  evil  world.  And  to  this 
purpose,  0  God,  teach  us  to  reflect  seriously  upon  the 
shortness  of  life ;  the  rapidity  with  which  our  days,  and 
weeks,  and  months,  and  years,  pass  away.  Help  us  to 
consider  that  our  career  may  terminate  every  moment, 
when  death  shall  summon  us  to  judgment,  and  the  con- 
sequences be  eternal.  Lord,  teach  us  therefore  so  to 
number  and  estimate  every  day  as  if  it  were  our  last. 
Like  the  foolish  virgins,  may  we  not  sleep,  or  even  slum- 
ber, in  a  cold  outward  profession ;  but  having  our  loins 
girded,  and  our  lamps  burning,  may  we  imitate  the  wise 
virgins,  be  ever  watching,  and  making  ready  for  the 
coming  of  our  Lord ;  and  thus  we  may  hope  to  appear 
before  him  with  confidence  and  holy  joy. 

Keep  us  this  night,  0  God,  under  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings,  and  defend  our  bodies  and  souls  from  all  evil. 
Refresh  us  with  sleep ;  and  if  thou  art  pleased  to  grant 
us  the  privilege  of  another  day  in  this  state  of  probation, 
may  our  renewed  strength  be  employed  to  advance  thy 
glory  and  promote  the  best  interests  of  all  around  us.  0 
Lord,  continue  still  to  be  kind  and  favourable  to  all  our 
relations  and  friends.  May  we  all  be  united  in  the  same 
covenant  of  redemption  here,  and  be  permitted  to  enjoy 
its  more  glorious  privileges  together  hereafter.  Let  the 
country  where  we  live,  and  while  Ave  live,  0  God,  if  con- 
sistent with  the  great  designs  of  thy  providence,  never 
be  the  scat  of  war,  but  the  residence  of  liberty  and  peace. 
We  long  for  the  time  when  wars  shall  cease  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth,  and  there  shall  be  nothing  to  hurt  or  destroy 
in  all  thy  holy  mountain.  Hasten  tliat  happy  time,  O 
God,  and  prepare  the  world  for  it.  And  now  the  God  of 
Israel  cause  us  to  go  from  his  throne  in  peace,  and  vith 
the  hojM}  of  pardon  and  acceptance :  and  to  the  Father, 
Son,  and  blessed  Spirit,  be  eternal  praises.     Amen. 


THIRD  WEEK.  137 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Smith. 

0  Thou  most  liolj,  blessed,  and  glorious  Lord  God, 
whom  we  are  bound  by  every  tie  to  worship  and  obey ; 
behold  us  again,  this  morning,  before  the  throne  of  thy 
grace.  We  laid  ourselves  down  in  peace  —  we  have 
during  the  past  night  taken  our  rest  in  safety ;  and  by 
thy  kind  providence  we  are  entering  upon  the  duties 
and  enjoyments  of  another  day. 

A  wearisome  night  might  have  been  appointed  us ;  thou 
mightest  have  alarmed  us  with  dreams,  and  terrified  us 
through  visions ;  and  we  might  have  been  full  of  tossings 
to  and  fro,  until  the  dawning;  but  thou  hast  bestoAved 
on  us  sleep,  such  as  thou  givest  to  thy  beloved,  and  our 
beds  have  comforted  and  refreshed  us.  Blessed  be  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for  this  re- 
newed instance  of  his  sustaining  power  and  preserving 
goodness. 

This  morning  again  would  we  say,  Come  and  hear,  all 
ye  that  fear  God,  and  we  will  declare  what  he  hath  done 
for  our  bodies  and  souls.  Thine  hand,  0  God,  created  us 
at  the  first.  And  we  thank  thee,  0  Lord,  that  thou  hast 
not  only  granted  us  life,  and  thy  visitation  to  preserve 
our  spirit  in  the  helpless  state  of  inftmcy  and  childhood ; 
but  that  thou  hast  cast  our  lot  in  a  part  of  the  world 
where  light  and  liberty,  peace  and  plenty,  have  so  long 
existed  and  flourished. 

Incomprehensible  Being,  who  searchest  the  heart,  and 
to  whom  every  secret  motion  within  us  is  known,  behold 
our  souls  prostrate  before  the  throne  of  thy  grace  this 
morning,  ready  again  to  take  hold  of  thy  covenant  and 
strength,  that  we  may  make  peace  with  thee,  and  that 
thou  mayest  make  peace  with  us.  Look  down,  0  God 
of  mercy,  upon  us ;  and  for  thine  own  sake,  and  accord- 
ing to  thy  express  word  and  promise,  blot  out  our  trans- 
gressions, and  remember  our  sins  no  more. 

Behold,  0  God,  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of 
thine  anointed,  thy  beloved  Son,  in  whom  thou  art  ever 

M2 


138  THIRD   WEEK. 

well  pleased ;  who  appeared  in  our  world  to  put  away 
sin  bj  the  sacrifice  of  himself;  and  by  this  one  offering 
bath  perfected  for  ever  them  that  are  sanctified.  0 !  for 
bis  sake,  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 
righteousness. And  now  may  the  peace  of  God,  which 
passeth  all  understanding,  keep  our  hearts  and  minds, 
through  Christ  Jesus.  We  would  not  be  over-anxious 
for  that  peace  and  prosperity  which  the  world  giveth. 
But  we  pray  for  that  peace,  which  Jesus  Christ  hath 
promised,  and  left  for  all  his  disciples;  a  peace  which 
the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away ;  and  through 
which  our  hearts  may  not  be  troubled,  or  in  any  degree 
afraid. 

We  must  confess,  0  God,  that  if  thou  shouldest  be 
strict  to  mark  iniquities,  we  have  often  had  cause  to  be 
both  ashamed  and  afraid. 

Thou  hast  also  said  in  thy  word,  that  the  just  shall  live 
by  faith ;  but  if  any  man  draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have 
no  pleasure  in  him.  Wilt  thou  heal  our  backslidings, 
and  pardon  our  numberless  failings  in  duty.  Thou  hast 
said.  Return,  thou  backsliding  Israel,  and  I  will  not  cause 
mine  anger  to  fall  upon  you.  Turn  thou  us  unto  thee, 
0  Lord,  and  we  shall  be  turned;  and  from  this  day  en- 
lighten and  renew,  more  and  more,  every  faculty  and 
power  of  our  mind  and  soul,  that  we  may  give  all  dili- 
gence to  add  to  our  faith,  virtue,  knowledge,  temperance, 
patience,  godliness,  brotherly  kindness,  and  charity;  that 
these  things  being  in  us,  and  abounding,  we  may  neither 
be  barren,  nor  unfruitful  in  tlie  saving  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

For  thai  protection  which  thou  hast  afforded  us  during 
tlie  past  niglit,  and  that  refreshing  sleep  which  our  bodies 
have  enjoyed,  we  desire,  0  God,  to  be  more  and  more 
thankful.  To  thy  care  and  kee])ing  we  again  commit 
ourselves  tbis  day.  Com])ass  us  about  with  thy  favour 
IS  with  a  sbield. 

If  consistent  with  thy  will,  prosper  us  in  all  our  law- 
ful employments,  and  give  us  comfort  in  all  our  worldly 
enjoyments.     The  same  blessings  we  would  ask  in  be 


THIRD   WEEK.  139 

half  of  our  relations,  our  friends,  our  benefactors,  and 
well-wishers.  Our  enemies,  Father,  forgive  them,  and 
enable  us  to  do  the  same. 

Lord,  plead  thine  own  cause  in  the  world.     Let  igno- 
rance, idolatry,  superstition,  and  wickedness,  come  to  an 
end.     Erect  the  throne  of  thy  Son's  dominion  upon  the 
rmns  of  Satan's  kingdom.     Let  the  happy  time  be  ap 
proaching  when  there  shall  be  universal  peace  on  earth 
and  good-will  amongst  all  mankind.     Lord,  continue 
kmd  to  our  native  country.     Provide  for  us,  0  God 
rulers  and  magistrates,  such  as  are  able  men,  who  fear 
thee,  and  ha  te  covetousness.     Prosper,  0  God,  the  means 
of  mstruction  provided  for  our  youth,  and  let  the  hoary 
heads  be  found  in  the  way  of  righteousness ;  that  they 
may  look  backward  with  satisfaction,  and  forward  with 
hope.     Pity  the  sick  and  afflicted ;  spare  young  and  use- 
ful lives ;  and  prepare  us  all  for  death  and  judgment. 
Now,  blessed  be  God  for  all  his  gifts,  both  of  nature  and 
of  grace  !     And  to  the  Three  that  bear  record  in  heaven 
the  Father,  the  Word,  and  Holy  Spirit,  be  ascribed  all 
honour  and  glory.     Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.  Smith, 

_  Glorious  Jehovah  !  by  which  name  thou  didst  de- 
sire to_  be  known  by  thy  people  of  old,  0  take  us  (like 
them)  into  covenant  with  thee,  and  draw  near  in  mercy 
to  hear  and  help  us.  We  would  ever  consider  it  as  our 
highest  honour,  and  greatest  privilege,  to  call  upon  God 
by  prayer  and  supphc^ation,  with  thanksgiving. 

We  adore  thee  as  the  alone  true  object  of  all  spiritual 
worship.  Though  there  be  that  ere  called  gods,  whe- 
ther m  heaven  or  on  earth,  (as  there  be  gods  many,  and 
lords  many,)  to  us  there  is  but  one  God  the  Father  of 
whom  are  all  things,  and  we  in  him;  and  one  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  things,  and  we  by  him 
and  one  Spirit,  the  Eternal  Spirit,  who  searcheth  all 
things  yea,  the  deep  things  of  God,  by  whom,  through 
Jesus  Christ  alone,  we  have  access  unto  the  Father.     In 


140  THIRD  WEEK. 

this  new  and  living  way  may  we  be  permitted  to  ap- 
proach, at  this  time,  to  offer  up  om*  evening  sacrifices. 

And  we  would  say,  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
from  this  time  forth,  and  for  evermore :  from  the  rising 
of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  the  Lord's 
name  be  praised ;  for  the  Lord  is  high  above  all  nation-s, 
and  his  glory  above  the  heavens.  There  is  none  like 
unto  thee  :  rich  in  mercy,  glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in 
praises,  ever  doing  wonders.  But  we  would  more  espe- 
cially praise  thee  this  night  for  the  unmerited,  yet  still 
continued,  communications  of  thy  goodness  and  grace 
to  us. 

We  would  more  particularly  thank  and  praise  thy 
name  for  what  we  have  experienced  of  it  during  the 
past  day.  Thou  hast  protected  our  going  out  and  our 
coming  in.  The  Lord  is  our  keeper ;  he  hath  been  as 
a  shade  upon  our  right  hand,  and  preserved  us  from  all 
evil. 

We  would  be  thankful,  0  God,  unto  thee  for  these 
temporal  blessings ;  and  pray  earnestly  that  they  may 
produce  in  our  souls  humility,  gratitude,  and  love.  But 
let  us  not  be  over-anxious  about  any  worldly  enjoyments 
or  advantages.  We  would  be  convinced  that  all  things 
here  are  unsatisfactory,  or  fleeting  in  their  nature. 

Blessed  Saviour,  impress  thine  own  injunction  upon 
Dur  minds  —  Labour  not  for  the  meat  which  perishetli, 
but  for  that  moat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting;  life, 
and  which  the  Son  of  man  shall  give  to  all  that  come 
unto  him. 

Help  us  each  to  say  with  the  apostle:  "We  are  cruci- 
fied with  Christ,  nevertheless  we  live ;  yet  not  we,  but 
Christ  liveth  in  us :  and  the  life  that  we  now  live  in  the 
flesh,  we  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God,  who  loved 
us,  and  gave  himself  for  us,  that  we  should  no  longer 
live  the  rest  of  our  time  in  the  flesh  to  the  lusts  of  men, 
but  to  the  will  of  God." 

Thus  living  and  walking  no  longer  according  to  our 
old  natural  state,  but  according  to  the  new  one  which  we 
receive  by  faith,  and  the  principles  and  means  of  prac- 
tice, properly  belonging  thereunto,  may  we  now  strive  tr. 


THIRD    WEEK.  141 

eontinue  and  increase  in  all  Christian  duties  and  graces. 
May  we  continue  to  love  God  in  Christ  as  our  supreme 
good.  We  pray  for  that  fear  of  the  Lord  which  is  the 
beginning  of  wisdom,  and  by  which  every  wise  man  de- 
parteth  from  evil.  We  would  submit  ourselves  to  hmi, 
saying,  upon  all  proper  occasions,  the  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done.  May  God,  of  his  infinite  mercy,  grant  that  we 
may  continue  in  the  faith,  grounded  and  settled,  and  that 
we  be  not  moved  away  from  the  hope  of  the  gospel. 
Let  our  love  to  mankind  be  without  dissimulation,  and 
may  we  be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  another,  with 
brotherly  love.  Instead  of  stirring  up  strife,  by  giving 
way  to  anger  at  any  time,  and  using  grievous  words,  help 
us,  0  Lord,  by  a  soft  answer  to  turn  away  wrath. 

Lord,  enable  us  daily  to  do  good,  that  we  may  be  rich 
in  good  works,  ready  to  distribute,  willing  to  communi- 
cate ;  laying  up  in  store  for  ourselves  a  good  foundation 
against  the  time  to  come.  But,  at  the  same  time,  keep  us 
humble,  0  God,  and  let  us  never  be  desirous  of  vain  glory. 

May  we  be  temperate  in  all  things;  and  as  we  would 
ascend  at  last  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord,  and  stand  ac 
'jepted  in  his  holy  place — to  this  end,  bless  us,  0  God, 
with  a  pure  heart,  and  with  clean  hands,  and  may  we 
every  day  be  growing  Aviser  and  better.  We  would 
thank  the  Lord,  who  hath  preserved  us  this  day  from 
all  evil. 

Help  us  to  know  the  measure  of  our  days,  and  to  keep 
in  constant  remembrance  how  frail  we  are ;  our  wasting 
frames  requiring  a  fresh  supply  of  spirits  and  strength, 
by  means  of  rest  and  repose  through  the  night. 

May  we  be  secure  during  the  night,  and  take  our  rest 
in  safety ;  and  let  the  same  privileges  be  conferred  upon 
all  our  brethren  and  kindred,  according  to  the  flesh ;  that 
we  may  all  have  the  blessedness  of  those  who  make  the 
Lord  their  trust. 

Now  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly 
above  all  that  we  ask,  or  think,  according  to  the  power 
that  worketh  in  us,  unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church,  by 
Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages,  world  without  end 
Amen. 


142  THIRD   WEEK. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.  Snnth 

Tnou  hast  sworn  by  thyself,  0  Lord!  the  "word  is 
gone  out  of  thy  mouth  in  righteousness,  and  shall  not  re* 
turn,  that  unto  thee  "  every  knee  shall  bow,  and  t  vi-ry 
tongue  confess."  We  would,  therefore,  seek  unto  God 
betimes,  and  make  our  supplications  unto  the  Almighty; 
pressing  ever  at  the  same  time  upon  our  spirits  that 
important  consideration, — though  the  Lord's  throne  be 
in  heaven,  and  he  dwell  by  his  special  presence  in  his 
holy  temple  there,  yet  his  eyes  for  ever  behold,  and  his 
eyelids  try  the  children  of  men.  Neither  is  there  any 
creature  that  is  not  manifest  in  his  sight,  but  all  things 
are  naked  and-  open  unto  the  eyes  of  him  Avith  whom  we 
have  to  do. 

Well  may  we,  indeed,  say,  "  0  Lord,  thou  hast  searched 
us  and  known  us.  Thou  knowest  our  down-sitting  and 
our  up-rising:  thou  understandest  our  thoughts  afar  off. 
Thou  compassest  our  path,  and  our  lying  down,  and  art 
acquainted  with  all  our  ways ;  for  there  is  not  a  word  in 
our  tongue,  but  lo !  0  Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether. 
Such  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  us ;  it  is  high,  we 
cannot  attain  unto  it.  Oh  the  depth  of  the  riches  both 
of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God!" 

When  we  consider  all  this,  "  What  is  man,  that  thou 
art  mindful  of  him ;  and  the  sons  and  daughters  of  men, 
that  thou  thus  visitest  them?"  In  us,  that  is,  in  our 
flesh,  dwellcth  no  good  thing:  we  are  all  as  an  unclean 
thing,  and  all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags.  If 
thou.  Lord,  shouldst  mark  iniquities,  0  Lord,  who  shall 
stand.  In  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified. 
And  in  this  guilty  and  sinful  state  to  which  wc  have  re- 
duced ourselves,  Avhat  can  we  do  but  fall  down  in  hum- 
ble adoration  at  the  throne  of  thy  grace,  that  according 
to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  compassions,  thy  merited 
wrath  and  indignation  may  be  turned  away  from  us? 

When  we  consider  what  we  have  merited,  we  trem- 


laiRD  WEEK.  143 

Me,  and  are  afraid ;  but  when  we  consider  what  tliy  Son 
has  done  and  suffered  for  sinners,  our  broken  hearts  and 
contrite  spirits  revive.  Remember  in  mercy,  0  God, 
that  he  hath  satisfied  thy  justice  for  us ;  and  notwith- 
standing we  may  have  been  the  very  chief  of  sinners,  we 
would  through  him  look  for  pardon,  acceptance,  and  every 
spiritual  blessing. 

0  thou  that  bindest  up  the  broken  in  heart,  and  healest 
the  wounded  in  conscience,  say  unto  our  souls,  "  Go  in 
peace,  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole."  Set  us  as  a 
seal  upon  thine  arm,  and  may  we  be  as  one  who  hath 
found  favour  in  thine  eyes.  And  knowing,  0  God,  that 
every  one  who  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself, 
even  as  thou  art  pure,  may  we  be  anxious  to  follow  after 
righteousness  and  godliness,  and  to  be  walking  in  all  the 
commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless. 
We  will  serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  let  our  hearts 
stand  in  awe  of  his  word.  We  will  love  the  Lord  our 
God  with  all  our  heart,  and  with  all  our  mind ;  and  our 
neighbour  as  ourselves,  for  his  sake.  We  bless  God, 
who  hath  kept  and  preserved  us  during  the  past  night, 
and  safely  and  happily  conducted  us  to  the  commence- 
ment of  a  new  day.  If  consistent  with  thy  sovereign 
will,  continue  thy  guardianship  and  paternal  goodness 
throughout  its  fleeting  course. 

Lord,  we  would  renew  this  morning  the  consecration 
of  our  bodies,  our  souls,  our  life,  our  labour,  all  that  is 
in  us,  and  all  that  belongs  to  us.  We  desire  to  be  more 
and  more  engaged  in  studying  thy  will,  in  promoting 
thy  glory,  doing  good  to  our  fellow-creatures,  and  work- 
ing out  with  fear  and  trembling  our  own  salvation.  0 
God  !  all  good !  accept  of  this  sincere  and  renewed  sacri- 
fice ;  let  it  ascend,  through  thy  forbearance,  to  a  throne 
of  grace,  and  may  it  be  accompanied  with  the  merits  of 
that  sacrifice  which  thy  dear  Son  offered  up  for  oui'  par- 
don and  reconciliation. 

Grant,  0  God,  that  we  may  henceforth  detach  our  af- 
fections more  and  more  from  the  things  of  time,  and 
whilst  we  are  daily  labouring  for  the  meat  which  pe- 


THIRD   WEEK. 

risheth,  may  -we  be  truly  mindful  of  that  wliich  enduretb 
unto  everlasting  life. 

May  we  never  forget  that  we  have  precious  and  im- 
mortal souls,  which  demand  our  first  and  chief  atten- 
tion ;  and  that  the  gain  of  the  whole  Avorld  will  profit  U3 
nothing,  if,  in  too  anxiously  caring  about  this,  we  should 
L/Se  our  souls. 

And,  0  Lord,  whilst  we  are  anxious  about  the  salva- 
tion of  our  own  souls,  we  would  not  be  unmindful  of  the 
eternal  interests  of  all  our  fellow-creatures.  We  ear- 
nestly pray  for  the  fulfilment  of  thine  ancient  promise, 
which  saith,  "  As  the  earth  bringeth  forth  her  bud,  and 
as  the  garden  causeth  the  things  that  are  sown  in  it  to 
spring  forth,  so  the  Lord  God  will  cause  righteousness 
and  praise  to  spring  forth  before  all  nations."  Let  the 
number  of  thy  spiritual  children  be  as  the  sand  of  the 
sea,  which  cannot  be  measured,  or  numbered ;  and  let  it 
come  to  pass,  that  in  the  place  where  it  was  said  unto 
them,  "Ye  are  not  my  people,"  there  it  shall  be  said, 
"  Ye  are  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  living  God." 

0  let  thy  sun  still  rise  upon  the  just  and  the  unjust 
among  us,  and  fulfil  thy  gracious  promise,  giving  us  rain 
in  due  season,  that  our  land  may  yield  her  increase,  and 
the  trees  of  the  field  their  fruit.  0  God,  for  the  sake  of 
thy  chosen  people,  overlook  the  infidelity  and  profiigacy 
of  thousands  around  us.  Hear  the  prayers  of  thy  ser- 
vants for  a  general  reformation.  0  that  Ave  might  be  a 
holy,  and  then  we  shall  be  a  happy  people.  Continue. 
0  God,  to  be  the  guide,  the  protector,  and  the  portion  of 
all  in  this  family ;  and,  if  consistent  with  the  great  de- 
signs of  thy  providence,  let  goodness  and  mercy  follow 
us  all  the  days  of  our  lives.  Hear  us,  0  God,  from  thy 
dwelling-place,  and  send  us  an  answer  of  peace,  for  his 
sake  who  alone  is  wortliy,  with  the  Father,  and  blessed 
Spirit,  to  receive  endless  praises.     Amen. 


THIRD   WEEK. 


THURSDAY  EVENING.  Smith 

We  would,  this  evening,  lift  up  our  voice  unto  God 
most  high,  unto  God  who  doeth  all  things  for  us. 

Having  obtained  help  of  God,  we  have  continued  until 
this  day,  monuments  of  his  sparing  mercy.  Thou  art 
God,  and  not  man,  and  therefore  it  is  that  we  have  not 
long  ere  now  been  cut  off  from  the  land  of  the  living. 

We  would  have  these  words  deeply  impressed  on  our 
minds:  "It  is  the  will  of  God,  in  Christ  Jesus,  concern- 
ing us,  that  in  every  thing  we  give  thanks ;  for  the  Lord 
hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad ;  and 
every  creature  of  God  is  good,  if  it  be  received  with 
thanksgiving."  Let  us,  therefore,  whether  we  eat  or 
drink,  or  whatsoever  we  do,  give  thanks  unto  God  al- 
ways, and  for  all  things,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
In  God  we  live  and  move.  We  are  the  monuments  of 
his  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness. 

From  our  youth  upward,  we  have  had  food  to  eat  and 
raiment  given  us  to  put  on,  with  a  quiet  and  peaceable 
habitation  to  dwell  in ;  a  lodging-place  where  we  have 
taken  our  rest  in  safety :  yea,  both  lain  down,  and  risen 
up,  from  month  to  month,  and  from  year  to  year,  with- 
out any  daring  to  make  us  afraid.  But  what  is  all  this, 
0  God,  to  thy  spiritual  blessings  ?  It  is  our  privilege, 
and  happiness,  that  we  can  noAV  say,  "  God  hath  visited 
and  redeemed  his  people,  as  he  spake  by  the  mouth  of 
all  his  holy  prophets  which  have  been  since  the  world 
began ;  and  hath  performed  the  mercy  promised  to  our 
fathers,  and  remembered  his  holy  covenant,  even  that 
covenant  which  thou  wast  pleased  to  make  ■^ith  thy  ser- 
vants, Abraham  and  Isaac,  that  in  their  seed  should  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed." 

Forbid,  0  God,  that  any  of  us  should  be  among  that 
unhappy  number,  who  despise  or  abuse  the  riches  of  thy 
goodness,  and  forbearance,  and  long  suffering  patience, 
not  knowing  that  this  should  lead  us  to  immediate  re- 
pentance. For  we  know  not  what  another  night  may 
7  N 


146  THIRD    WEEK. 

bring  forth  ;  and  "  what  shall  it  profit  us  if  we  gain  the 
world,  and  lose  our  own  souls  ?"  Merciful  and  gracious 
God,  deliver  us  from  a  hard  and  impenitent  heart,  lest 
we  should  treasure  up  unto  ourselves  wrath  against  the 
day  of  wrath,  and  revelation  of  thy  righteous  judg- 
ment. 

0  that  we  may  say,  with  an  inspired  apostle,  "  We 
know  Avhom  we  have  believed,  and  we  are  persuaded 
that  he  will  keep  tliat  which  we  have  committed  unto 
him  (our  precious  and  immortal  souls)  safe  and  secure 
until  that  day."  0  that  we  could  say,  "We  love  God, 
because  he  first  loved  us,"  and  that  we  have  known  and 
believed  the  love  which  God  hath  for  us ;  and  therefore 
the  desire  of  our  soul  is  to  his  name,  and  towards  the  re- 
membrance of  his  holiness. 

0  that  we  may  delight  ourselves  more  in  God,  and 
that  our  hearts  might  become  the  dwelling-place  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  We  would  be  washed  and  sanctified,  as 
well  as  justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by 
the  Spirit  of  our  God. 

If  thou  wilt,  0  God,  that  we  live  to-morrow,  may  it 
be  to  begin  a  new  life  ;  a  life  more  conformable  to  our 
professions  and  privileges :  a  life  Avhich  shall  turn  out 
more  to  the  advancement  of  God's  glory,  the  edification 
of  our  fellow-creatures,  and  the  eternal  safety  and  hap- 
piness of  our  own  souls. 

But  if  it  should  please  thee  to  terminate  our  course 
during  the  night,  may  our  souls  find  pardon  and  accept- 
ance with  thee  ;  and,  disengaged  from  this  prison  of  clay, 
take  their  flight  to  the  regions  of  glory,  where  they  shall 
behold  thy  face  in  righteousness,  and  be  forever  satisfied 
with  thy  glorious  resemblance. 

We  would  remember  with  affection,  and  in  a  way  of 
prayer,  all  Avho  are  near  and  dear  to  us.  The  Lord  be 
their  shepherd,  that  they  may  never  want :  not  want 
what  may  be  requisite  for  the  support  and  safety  of 
their  bodies ;  but  more  especially  we  pray,  that  our  God 
may  supply  all  their  spiritual  needs,  according  to  his 
riches  in  glory,  by  Christ  Jesus.     Again  we  commit  this 


THIRD   WEEK.  147 

house,  •with  every  inhabitant  therein,  young,  and  old, 
and  of  mid  lie  age,  to  the  Keeper  of  Israel,  who  never 
slumbereth  nor  sleepeth,  that  he  may  watch  over  our 
lying  down  and  rising  up,  and  preserve  us  from  all  evil. 
In  this  hope,  we  ascribe  to  the  Father,  to  the  Son,  and 
to  the  blessed  Spirit,  honour  and  glory,  world  without 
eml.     Amen. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.  Smith. 

Behold  us,  0  good  and  gracious  God,  at  the  footstool 
of  thy  throne  this  morning.  We  come  to  present  our 
humble,  and  sincere  adorations  to  the  Author  of  our  life, 
and  lengthener  out  of  our  days  :  for  it  is  to  thee  that  we 
are  indebted  for  our  preservation  during  the  past  night ; 
and  thou  alone  hast  caused  us  to  see  the  beginning  of 
this  day.  Let  thy  gracious  presence  be  with  us  during 
the  course  of  it,  and  all  the  succeeding  days  and  nights 
of  our  earthly  pilgrimage.  And  to  the  end  that  thou 
mayst  hear  us,  notwithstanding  our  unworthiness  and 
sinfulness,  look  upon  us,  0  God,  in  the  face  of  thine 
Anointed ;  and  cause  us  to  be  partakers  of  all  the  blessed 
fruits  of  his  death  and  resurrection.  We  look  to  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ,  that  we  may  see  what  is  the 
fellowship  of  the  mystery  which  from  the  beginning  of 
the  world  hath  been  hid  in  God ;  who  not  only  created  a)l 
things  by  Christ,  but  w^as  in  him  reconciling  the  world 
unto  himself;  and  hath  now  exalted  him  to  be  a  Prince 
and  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  unto  his  people,  as  well 
as  the  remission  of  all  their  sins.  0  that  our  bodies  may 
henceforth  be  the  temples  of  God,  through  the  Holy 
Spirit  dwelling  in  us,  and  uniting  us  to  Jesus  Christ  by 
a  true  and  living  faith.  We  would  count  all  things  but 
loss,  that  we  may  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him,  not 
having  our  own  righteousness,  which  is  of  the  law,  but 
that  which  is  through  the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteous- 
ness which  is  of  God  by  faith;  and  that  we  may  know 
him,  aai  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fellow- 


148  THIRD   WEEK. 

ship  of  his  sufferings,  and  be  made  conformable  unto  his 
death :  not  as  though  we  had  already  attained,  either  -were 
already  perfect;  but  this  one  thing  we  desire  to  do  — 
"  forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and  reaching 
forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before,  we  would  press 
toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God, 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  Thou  knowest,  0  God,  and 
we  would  at  the  same  time  acknowledge  and  confess,  the 
weakness  and  corruption  of  our  nature,  and  to  how  many 
dangers  and  temptations  we  are  continually  exposed. 
Lord,  give  us  thy  strength,  and  thy  grace,  to  preserve 
and  keep  us  at  all  times.  Let  neither  the  world  nor  the 
flesh  this  day  seduce  us  from  the  paths  of  duty ;  but,  ever 
thinking  and  acting  as  under  God's  more  immediate  in- 
spection, may  we  keep  in  the  love  and  fear  of  all  God's 
holy  commandments.  Teach  us  in  every  circumstance, 
0  God,  to  know  thy  will,  and  give  us  inclination  and 
ability  to  do  it.  Continue  of  thy  bounty  to  provide  for 
all  our  necessities;  and  support  and  comfort  us  under 
every  disappointment  and  trial  which  thou  mayest  see 
proper  to  bring  upon  us. 

May  we  live  in  thy  fear,  that  we  may  die  in  thy  fii- 
vour,  and  so  be  made  both  happy  and  glorious  through 
eternity. 

For  thy  distinguishing,  although  unmerited  goodness 
and  mercy  towards  us,  and  all  who  are  near  and  dear  to 
us,  we  once  more  offer  up  our  united  thanksgivings ;  say- 
ing at  the  same  time.  Let  every  creature  that  is  in  heaven, 
and  on  the  earth,  give  glory  to  God  for  ever  and  ever. 
And  now.  Lord,  what  wait  we  for?  our  hope  is  in  thee. 
Let  the  words  of  our  mouths,  and  the  meditations  of  our 
hearts,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength 
and  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 


FllIDAY  EVENING.  Smith. 

0  Lord,  our  God,  Avith  humble  gratitude  we  would 
appear  in  thy  presence  this  evening,  to  bless  thy  name  for 


THIRD   WEEK.  149 

our  preservation  hitherto ;  and  more  especially  for  the 
renewed  tokens  of  thy  kindness  and  love  during  the  past 
day. 

We  pray  that  our  humble  and  sincere  thanks  to  God 
for  all  his  mercies  may  ascend  now  as  incense,  and  the 
lifting  up  of  our  hands  be  as  acceptable  as  the  evening 
sacrifices  of  old.  When  we  recollect  the  mercies  of  the 
past  day,  0  God,  and  thy  goodness  towards  us  ever 
since  we  had  a  being,  our  souls  should  be  overwhelmed 
with  wonder,  love,  and  gratitude ;  but  ah,  how  cold  and 
insensible !  and  what  poor  returns  of  love  do  we  make ! 
0  Lord,  forgive  the  past,  and  make,  us  more  grateful  to 
thee  in  future.  We  have  not  rendered  unto  the  Lord 
according  to  the  benefits  done  unto  us ;  and  if  thou,  Lord, 
shouldst  be  strict  to  mark  our  deficiencies,  alas !  where 
v>  ould  be  our  hope  ?  What,  indeed,  would  our  situation 
be,  wert  thou  not  a  God  of  infinite  mercy,  and  were  not 
severity  and  judgment  thy  strange  work. 

Yet  thy  mercy,  0  Lord,  is  everlasting,  and  thy  com- 
passions fail  not.  Thou  hast  said,  "  As  I  live,  I  have  no 
pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked ;  but  that  the  wicked 
turn  from  his  way  and  live."  And  again:  "  Come  now, 
and  let  us  reason  together :  though  your  sins  be  as  scar- 
let, they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow ;  though  they  be  red 
like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool."  Who  then  is  a 
God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardoneth  iniquity,  and  passeth 
by  the  transgressions  of  thy  people ;  who  retainest  not 
thine  anger  because  thou  delightest  in  mercy  ?  For  the 
display  of  this  attribute,  and  that  a  solid  foundation" 
might  be  laid  for  our  hope,  thou  didst  not  spare  thine 
only  begotten  Son,  but  sent  him  in  due  time,  to  sufi'er 
and  die  in  the  room  of  sinners.  It  is  a  faithful  saying, 
and  not  only  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  but  of  our  high- 
est and  daily  praise,  that  "  God  was  in  Christ,  recon- 
ciling the  world  unto  himself,  not  imputing  their  tres- 
passes unto  them  ;"  and  hath  committed  to  his  servants, 
in  every  age,  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Forbid  it, 
then,  0  heavenly  Father !  that  any  of  us  here  present, 
should  be  amongst  that  unhappy  number  to  rt'hom  thy 

N2 


150  THIRD  WEEK. 

Son  shall  at  last  say,  "  Ye  would  not  come  nnto  me, 
that  ye  might  have  life."  But  deeply  sensible  of  our 
present  sinjful  and  miserable  state,  convinced  that  there 
is  no  other  name  under  heaven  by  which  we  can  be 
saved,  and  divinely  persuaded  of  the  willingness,  as 
well  as  all-sufficiency  of  the  Son  of  God,  for  this  pur- 
pose, may  we  each,  in  due  time,  believe  to  the  saving  of 
the  soul. 

Through  him  alone  we  look  for  pardon,  for  justifica- 
tion, for  adoption  into  the  family  of  heaven,  and  for  a 
renovation  of  all  the  powers  and  faculties  of  our  mind 
and  soul,  to  enlighten  and  fit  us  for  a  holy  practice. 

We  know  from  past  experience  that  we  are  not  suffi- 
cient of  ourselves,  either  to  will  or  to  do ;  but  thy  grace 
is  sufficient  for  us,  and  thy  strength  can  be  perfected  in 
our  Aveakness.  We  pray  that  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of 
life  which  is  in  Christ,  may  make  us  free  from  the  law 
of  sin  and  death.  We  shall  then,  0  God,  enjoy  comfort 
through  life,  peace  at  death,  and  glory  in  heaven. 

This  night  would  we  again  commend  ourselves,  and 
all  that  is  near  and  dear  to  us,  unto  thy  fatherly  care 
and  special  protection.  Preserve  us  from  every  danger, 
and  let  us  never  be  separated  from  thy  love  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Grant,  0  God,  the  pardon  of  all  the  sins  which 
we  have  committed  during  the  past  day ;  as  well  those 
that  lie  heavy  upon  our  consciences,  as  those  which 
through  infirmity  we  have  forgotten. 

Give  thine  angels  charge,  0  God,  in  a  particular  man- 
ner, with  respect  to  this  family,  that  heads,  and  domes- 
tics, and  children  belonging  to  it,  may  all  be  preserved 
from  the  jnalice  and  power  of  the  prince  of  darkness. 
Should  our  soils  be  re([uired  at  our  hands  this  night, 
may  Ave  be  leady  to  resign  them  into  the  arms  of  a 
covenant  God  in  Christ :  but  should  our  life  be  spared, 
may  Ave  more  cheerfully  and  entirely  dedicate  it  to  Him 
unto  Avhom  it  best  belongs,  and  avIio  alone  can  make  us 
happy  here  and  hereafter.  Now  unto  the  King  eternal, 
immortal,  and  invisible,  the  only  Avise  God,  be  honour, 
and  glory  :  for  of  him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him, 
aro  all  things.     A  men. 


THIRD  WEEK.  ♦  151 


SATURDAY  MORNING  Smith. 

Lord  God  Almighty !  which  was,  and  is,  and  art  to 
come :  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life,  and  thou  art  the 
Author  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  We  would, 
therefore,  give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  and  thanksgiv- 
ing which  is  due  unto  his  name,  and  worship  him  this 
morning  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  But  how  shall  we, 
whose  thoughts  are  vanity,  and  whose  hands  and  hearts 
are  so  impure,  presume  to  address  the  sacred  Majesty 
of  heaven  and  earth  ?  We  take  encouragement  only, 
0  God,  from  thy  perfections,  and  from  the  gracious 
declarations  of  thy  revealed  will.  "  Thou  art  infinitely 
wise,  and  holy,  and  just,  and  good ;  but  thou  hast  mag- 
nified thy  mercy  above  thy  great  name."  Blessed,  for 
ever  blessed,  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to  condemn 
the  world,  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be 
saved.  0  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  forgive  us  all  our 
sins ;  and  according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  thy  will, 
and  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  thy  grace,  may  we  be 
accepted  in  the  Beloved.  We  would  be  justified  by 
faith  alone,  and  thus  have  peace  with  God  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  we  believe  that  he  is  the  end  of 
the  law  for  righteousness  to  every  one  that  believeth. 
And  may  this  faith,  0  God,  not  be  of  a  dead  and 
barren  nature,  but  may  it  work  by  love,  and  purify  our 
hearts. 

0  God,  thy  word  is  truth ;  sanctify  us  through  belief 
of  the  truth.  According  to  thine  own  promise,  give 
unto  each  of  us  a  new  spirit,  and  take  away  the  stony 
heart  out  of  our  flesh,  that  we  may  walk  in  thy  statutes, 
and  keep  thine  ordinances,  and  do  them.  Thus  may  we 
hope  that  we  shall  be  thy  people,  and  that  thou  wilt  con- 
tinue to  be  our  God,  and  portion,  in  time  and  through 
eternity. 

Accept  of  our  thanks,  0  God,  for  all  that  mercy  and 
goodness  which  hath  followed  us  through  every  period 


152  TniRD    WEEK. 

of  our  past  life ;  for  sparing  us  under  the  weakness  and 
diseases  of  cliildhood ;  conducting  our  steps  through  the 
slippery  paths  of  youth ;  and  preserving  us  still  amidst 
the  no  less  surrounding  dangei'S  of  riper  years. 

We  thank  thee  for  the  food  we  have  to  eat,  the  rai- 
ment wherewith  we  are  clothed,  for  the  comfortable 
habitations  we  have  to  dwell  in,  and  the  many  conve- 
niences and  privileges  that  we  enjoy  above  numbers 
around  us,  and  in  other  parts  of  this  habitable  world. 

"We  thank  thee,  0  God,  for  another  night's  comfort- 
able rest.  We  have  laid  us  down  and  slept  in  peaceful 
security.  Thou  hast  caused  the  out-goings  of  another 
morning  to  rejoice  over  us.  AVe  are  brought  in  safety 
and  health  to  the  light  and  enjoyments  of  another  day. 
Defend  and  keep  us  in  the  same,  0  God,  from  all  harm, 
whether  of  a  temporal  or  spiritual  nature.  Prosper  us 
in  all  our  lawful  undertakings  this  day;  and  give  us 
humble  and  thankful  hearts  to  enjoy  the  good  things 
which  thou  hast  provided  for  us. 

Provide,  0  God,  in  thy  mercy  and  goodness,  for  the 
wants  of  the  poor  and  needy.  Thou  hast  promised  to 
regard  the  prayer  of  the  destitute.  Help  thorn  to  wait 
upon  thee  in  the  use  of  every  lawful  mean,  and  then  to 
see  that  their  expectation  shall  not  perish.  0  thou  who 
art  in  thy  holy  habitation  a  Father  to  the  fatherless,  and 
the  Judge  of  the  widow,  according  to  thy  word,  help  and 
relieve  all  those  who  commit  themselves  unto  thee. 

Lord,  be  merciful  to  the  sick  and  afflicted  part  of  man- 
kind. Spare  young  and  useful  lives;  and  prepare  tlie 
dying  for  their  last  change.  It  is  said  in  thy  word,  "  The 
Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart,  and 
saveth  such  as  be  of  a  contrite  spirit."  Lord,  fulfil  this 
promise  in  respect  unto  all  such  as  may  be  distressed  in 
mind.  May  it  please  thee  to  have  compassion  according 
to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies.  And  wilt  thou 
be  pleased  to  sanctify  bereaving  dispensations  to  all  con- 
cerned. May  neither  we,  nor  ours,  sorrow  as  those  wlio 
have  no  hope :  but  ever  reiiiembcring  that  as  Jesus  Christ 
himself  died  and  rose  again  from  the  dead,  so  them  that 


THIRD   WEEK.  153 

Bleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him :  may  we  comfort 
ourselves  and  one  another  with  these  words.  As  those 
who  are  near  and  dear  to  us  are  daily  dropping  off  the 
stage  of  life,  may  we  love  heaven  better,  and  strive  to 
have  clearer  views  of  our  interest  in  gospel  privileges 
and  hopes.  To  us  to  live,  and  while  we  live,  may  it 
indeed  be  Christ,  and  then  to  die  will  be  everlasting  gain. 
And  now,  0  our  God,  hear  the  prayer  of  thy  servants, 
and  their  supplications.  0  Lord,  hear ;  0  Lord,  forgive ; 
0  Lord,  hearken,  and  do,  and  defer  not,  for  thine  own 
name's  sake  and  for  thy  Son's  sake ;  who,  with  the  Holy 
Spirit,  are  worthy  to  receive  all  honour  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.  Smith. 

Loud  God  of  Israel,  according  to  thy  promise  in  these 
latter  days,  pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  thy  servants 
here  present ;  even  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and  of  truth. 
Let  him  teach  us  all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to  our 
remembrance  whatsoever  we  should  say  unto  thee,  and 
then  give  ear  to  our  prayer,  0  God,  and  hide  not  thyself 
from  our  supplications ;  but  hearken  thou,  and  hear  in 
heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and  when  thou  hearest,  for- 
give, and  accept  of  our  persons,  and  this  our  evening 
sacrifice.  AYe  would  review,  and  acknowledge  all  thy 
merciful  dealings  towards  us  this  week.  Six  days  more 
thou  hast  added  to  our  lives,  and  every  morning  we  have 
experienced  thy  loving-kindness ;  and  every  evening  ^ve 
have  had  reason  to  celebrate  thy  faithfulness.  "Wliilst 
many  have  been  exposed  to  hunger  and  cold,  we  have 
l^een  fed  and  clothed  by  thy  bounty.  Multitudes  in  the 
world  have  this  week  been  suddenly  called  from  time  to 
eternity ;  but  God  is  still  holding  our  soul  in  life.  Night 
after  night  we  have  laid  ourselves  down  to  sleep,  and  we 
have  awakened  in  the  morning,  for  the  Lord  sustained 
us ;  yea,  we  have  lain  down  in  peace,  and  our  sleep  hath 
been  sweet.  For  all  this  we  would  be  thankful  to  thee, 
7* 


15-1  '  TniRD  WEEK. 

0  Lord,  who  makest  us  to  dwell  in  safety,  and  whose 
visitation  alone  preserveth  our  spirit.  But  we  would  b* 
chiefly  thankful  for  the  continuance  of  our  spiritual  pri 
vileges  and  comforts. 

Blessed  be  God,  that  our  land  is  still  the  lar^d  of  gos 
pel  light  and  liberty  ;  and  that  we  can  worship  thee  both 
in  private  and  public,  without  anyone  daring  to  disturb 
us.  God  grant  that  we  may  never  undervalue  or  abuse 
these  privileges ;  as  knowing  that  our  guilt  and  condem- 
nation will  then  be  severer  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

We  would  be  more  and  more  thankful  for  the  means 
of  grace,  and  all  the  ordinances  of  divine  appointment. 
May  the  daily  reading  of  thy  word  increase  our  spiritual 
knowledge,  confirm  om-  faith,  and  animate  our  hopes. 
Let  our  morning  and  evening  sacrifices  keep  us  in  a  holy 
and  watchful  frame  through  the  day,  and  dispose  us  to 
resign  ourselves  to  thy  gracious  keeping  during  the 
night. 

And  0  may  the  return  of  every  Sabbath  be  looked 
forward  to  with  increasing  delight !  Lord,  make  us 
thankful  for  the  near  approach  of  another  Lord's  day 
Sabbath. 

Shouldst  thou  see  meet  in  thy  goodness,  and  by  thino 
all-protecting  providence,  to  spare  us  to  see  the  light  of 
another  morning,  may  we  all  be  in  the  Spirit  upon  the 
Lord's  day,  and  worship  God,  who  is  a  Spirit,  in  spirit 
and  in  truth.  We  would  not  forsake  the  assembling  of 
ourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is.  May  we 
love  the  habitation  of  thy  house,  and  the  place  where 
thine  honour  dwelleth ;  thither  would  our  willing  feet 
repair,  that  we  may  publish,  with  the  voice  of  thanks- 
giving, God's  manifold  mercies,  and  tell  of  all  his  won- 
drous works.  Lord,  bless  the  studios  and  preparation  of 
thy  ministering  servants ;  may  they  be  as  scribes  who 
are  well  instructed  unto  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  and 
bring  forth,  out  of  their  treasures,  things  new  and  old 
May  they  convince  and  convert  sinners,  and  build  up 
and  comfort  the  saints. 

Permit  us  once  more  to  commit,  to  thy  care  and  kcep' 


THIRD   WEEK.  155 

ing,  our  absent  relatives  and  friends.  Although  at  a 
distance  from  us,  may  they  be  nigh  unto  the  Lord  our 
God  day  and  night,  that  he  may  maintain  their  cause  at 
all  times,  as  the  matter  shall  require. 

Lord,  be  merciful  to  the  sick  and  afflicted  part  of  man- 
kind. Whatever  be  the  cause,  or  the  ev.ent  of  their  pre- 
sent visitation,  may  they  have  reason  to  say  ■with  thy 
servant  of  old,  "It  is  good  for  us  that  we  have  been  af- 
flicted; for  thereby  have  we  learned  thy  statutes." 

Merciful  and  gracious  God,  lay  not  upon  such  more 
than  thou  wilt  enable  them  to  bear  ;  and  soon,  if  it  be  thy 
holy  will,  let  the  language  of  the  Psalmist  be  theirs  — 
"Return  unto  thy  rest,  0  my  soul,  for  the  Lord  hath 
dealt  bountifully  with  thee." 

For  the  world  in  general  we  would  once  more  entreat 
at  a  throne  of  grace.  Look  down  from  heaven,  0  God, 
and  behold  from  the  habitation  of  thy  holiness  and  glory, 
a  world  lying  in  ignorance  and  wickedness.  God  be 
merciful  to  us,  and  bless  us,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine 
upon  us,  that  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  and 
thy  saving  health  among  all  nations.  Blessed  Jesus, 
thou  hast  expressly  declared  that  thy  gospel  shall  be 
preached  in  all  the  world,  for  a  witness  unto  all  nations. 
We  long  for  that  happy  time  when  the  Jews  shall  be 
brought  in  with  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles.  Then 
should  we  behold  mercy  and  truth  meet  together,  right- 
eousness and  peace  mutually  embrace.  Nation  shall 
not  then  lift  up  sword  against  nation,  neither  shall  they 
learn  war  any  more.  Lord,  although  not  permitted  to 
see  these  happy  times,  may  we  now  rejoice  in  the  pros- 
pect, and  at  last  die  in  the  comfortable  hope  of  their 
arrival.  This  night  we  would  again  commit  ourselves, 
and  all  our  concerns,  to  God's  paternal  care  and  keep- 
ing, in  the  hope  of  being  raised  up  in  the  morning  to 
see  and  enjoy  another  day  of  the  Son  of  man.  For 
his  sake,  we  ask  every  blessing. — And  to  him,  with  thee, 
0  Father,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  g  ory,  and  praise, 
and  humble  worship,  for  ever.     Ainen. 


FOUETH   WEEK. 


FOURTH  VTEEK. 


SABBATH  MORNING.      Bichersteth. 

0  Almi<5IITY  God,  Creator,  Governor,  and  Upholder 
of  all  things,  Avho,  after  making  the  heaven  and  earth, 
didst  rest  on  the  seventh  day,  and  bless  and  sanctify  it, 
teach  us  now,  resting  from  our  worldly  labours,  to  do- 
vote  the  day  to  thy  service.  0  thou,  whose  Son  did,  aa 
on  this  day,  rise  again  from  the  dead,  grant  us  grace  to 
rise  from  the  death  of  sin  to  the  life  of  righteousness. 
Help  us  now,  in  his  name,  to  seek  thy  blessing  on  those 
holy  duties  to  which  the  Sabbath  is  set  apart. 

We  bless  and  praise  thee  for  the  appointment  of  this 
day,  and  for  all  the  means  of  grace  which  we  enjoy  in 
this  highly  favoured  land.  We  bless  thee  that  thy  house 
is  open,  that  thy  ministers  have  liberty  to  preach,  and 
we  have  opportunity  and  inclination  to  assemble  with 
thy  people  and  hear  thy  holy  word. 

Above  all,  we  thank  thee  for  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ;  for  free  justification  and  salvation  through  his 
life,  death,  and  resurrection.  We  praise  thee  for  the  gift 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Blessed,  for  ever  blessed,  be  thou, 
the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  for  all 
these  thy  benefits. 

Great  have  been  thy  mercies  to  us;  but  with  shame 
we  confess  that  we  have  slighted  thy  goodness,  and  care- 
lessly regarded  thy  gi-eat  salvation.  How  many  Sabbaths 
have  we  broken;  how  many  invitations  of  mercy  hare 
we  neglected;  how  many  warnings  and  thrcatenings  have 
we  trilled  with!  How  cold  have  been  our  prayers;  how 
great  our  irreverence;  how  inexcusable  our  unbelief! 

Forgive  us,  0  forgive  us,  all  our  negligences,  and  in- 
firmities, and  all  our  sins  and  iniquities.  To  the  Lord 
our  God  belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  wo 
have  rebelled  aj^ainst  him.     Keturn  a<j;ain  and  bless  us. 


FOURTH   WEEK.  157 

Graciously  be  present  with  us,  through  all  the  solemn 
services  of  this  day.  Enable  us  to  go  to  thy  house  in 
the  spirit  of  prayer.  Pour  out  upon  us,  and  all  that  shall 
meet  in  thy  name,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication. 
Let  none  of  us  draw  near  to  thee  with  our  lips  only, 
while  our  hearts  are  far  from  thee  ;  but  enable  us  to  wor- 
ship thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Cause  thy  face  to  shine 
upon  us.  Grant  that  we  may  find  that  the  Lord  is  in  his 
holy  temple,  and  be  able  to  say.  It  was  good  for  us  to 
have  been  there !  Prepare  our  hearts  to  receive  thy  holy 
word,  that  it  may  be  sown  in  good  ground,  and  bring 
much  fruit  to  perfection. 

Bless  especially  all  such  as  hope  this  day  again  to  re- 
ceive the  memorials  of  our  Saviour's  sufferings  and  death. 
May  contrition,  penitence,  faith,  humility,  and  love,  be 
in  lively  exercise,  and  be  greatly  increased. 

Help  all  of  us,  not  only  to  abstain  from  engaging  in 
our  usual  business  and  occupation,  but  also  keep  us  from 
worldly  conversation,  and  from  vain  thoughts.  Raise 
our  afi'ections  to  things  above,  and  let  our  conversation 
be  in  heaven.  Enable  us  to  give  this  day  to  reading  and 
hearing  thy  word,  to  meditation,  self-examination,  and 
prayer ;  and  be  thou  with  us  to  bless  us  in  our  retired 
devotions. 

And,  Father  of  mercies,  we  beseech  thee  to  bless  all 
that  minister  in  holy  things.  Multiply  unto  them  thy 
grace,  that  they  may  be  faithful,  diligent,  and  laborious. 
Grant  them  humility,  disinterestedness,  watchfulness, 
and  zeal ;  may  all  have  grace  to  take  heed  to  themselves, 
and  to  the  flock  over  Avhich  the  Holy  Ghost  has  made 
them  overseers,  feeding  the  church  of  God  which  he  has 
purchased  with  his  own  blood.  Stand  by  and  strengthen 
them  this  day.  Open  thou  their  mouths,  and  enable 
them  to  testify  boldly  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 
We  especially  pray  for  him  who  ministers  among  us. 
May  he  this  day  be  enabled  to  speak  a  word  in  season 
to  us,  and  to  all  that  hear  him. 

And,  we  beseech  thee,  grant  that  this  thy  Sabbath 
may  be  distinguished  by  great  ar  d  singular  mercies  to 

0 


158  FOURTH   WEEK. 

thy  church.  Be  thou  with  all  Christian  congregations 
meeting  to  "worship  thee.  By  the  ministry  of  thy  word 
this  day,  convert  many  sinners;  heal  those  that  have 
Vacksliddcn,  strengthen  those  that  are  weak,  and  confirm 
those  that  are  strong.  Give  thy  holy  word  free  course, 
and  let  it  be  glorified  in  every  land,  and  among  every 
people.  Hear  us,  and  answer  us,  for  our  Lord  Jesua 
Christ's  sake.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


SABBATH  EVENING.      Biekersteth. 

Holy,  holy,  holy.  Lord  God  Almighty,  which  wa?, 
and  is,  and  art  to  come !  Thou  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to 
behold  iniquity;  thou  chargest  thine  angels  with  folly, 
and  in  thy  sight  the  heavens  are  not  clean  ;  we  approach 
thee,  then,  only  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  confess,  0  Lord,  how  defective  and  defiled  all  our 
services  are.  We  acknowledge  that  our  prayers  are  full 
of  distractions.  Our  very  petitions  need  thy  pardon,  our 
cold  intercessions  for  others  increase  our  own  guilt,  and 
our  unworthy  thanksgivings  fall  utterly  short  of  thy  great 
goodness  to  us.  We  carelessly  and  unbelievingly  hear 
thy  word.  All  we  do  is  polluted  and  sinful.  0  forgive 
us.  Forgive  the  sins  of  solemn  duties  ;  and  let  that  great 
High  Priest,  who  is  passed  into  the  heavens,  bearing  the 
iniquities  of  our  holy  things,  plead  for  us  in  thy  sight. 

And  grant,  most  merciful  Lord,  that  it  may  not  be  in 
vain  that  we  enjoy  such  distinguislicd  privileges  as  thou 
hast  given  to  us,  lest  it  be  more  tolerable  for  tSodom  and 
Gomorrah  in  the  day  of  judgment  than  for  us.  Let  not 
the  seed  of  the  word  of  God  which  has  this  day  been  sown 
in  our  hearts,  be  plucked  away  by  Satan,  lost  through 
temptation,  or  clioKed  with  the  cares  of  this  life ;  but 
having  heard  it  and  received  it,  incline  us  to  keep  it,  aud 
do  thou  cause  it  to  bring  forth  fruit,  an  hundred  foUl. 

Grant  that  our  lives  may  exhibit  whose  we  arc,  and 
whom  we  serve:    rcmembcriufi:   that   if  wo   know  our 


FOURTH   WEEK.  159 

Lord's  will,  and  do  it  not,  we  shall  justly  have  the  se- 
verer punishment.  We  humbly  beseech  thee,  strengthen 
our  resolutions  to  live  more  decidedly  to  thee.  We  feel 
that  we  now  have  again  to  enter  into  the  contest  with 
our  spiritual  enemies;  make  us  more  than  conquerors 
through  him  that  loved  us.  We  have  again  to  exert  our 
selves  to  run  the  race  set  before  us ;  teach  us  ever  to  look 
unto  Jesus  as  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith.  0  let 
us  take  the  more  earnest  heed  never  to  let  slip  the  things 
which  we  have  heard. 

And  we  pray  for  all  those  who  have  this  day  assembled 
before  thee,  and  heard  the  word  of  salvation.  Grant  unto 
them  the  same  mercies  which  we  ask  for  ourselves.  Let 
thy  ministers,  that  water  others,  be  themselves  abun- 
dantly watered  in  their  own  soul.  Strengthen  them  for 
thy  work,  both  in  body  and  soul. 

Remember,  in  mercy,  those  who  by  thy  providence 
have  been  kept  from  thy  house,  and  let  them  receive  a 
special  supply  of  thy  grace.  Grant  that  those  who  have 
wilfully  or  ignorantly  deprived  themselves  of  public  wor- 
ship, may  have  their  eyes  opened  to  see,  and  their  hearts 
awakened  to  feel  their  guilt  and  their  danger,  and  learn 
to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  0  hasten  the  time  when 
thy  house  shall  be  a  house  of  pra^^er  for  all  nations,  and 
tlie  whole  world  shall  worship  in  thy  courts. 

Thanks  be  unto  God  for  all  the  privileges  of  the  past 
Sabbath.  Blessed  be  thy  name  that  we  were  permitted 
to  hear  thy  word,  to  join  thy  people  in  prayer  and  praise, 
and  to  enjoy  so  plentifully  the  means  of  grace.  Blessed 
be  our  God  for  any  thing  of  communion  with  him,  or 
desire  after  him.  Blessed  be  God,  if  the  grace  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  or  his  holy  word,  be  more  understood 
or  valued  by  us.     Our  cup  runneth  over  with  mercies. 

0  Lord,  if,  amid  our  infirmities,  thy  Sabbaths  here  be- 
low rejoice  the  heart ;  if  to  rest  from  earthly  labours, 
and  enjoy  the  privileges  of  thy  house  in  this  world  be 
delightful;  how  should  we  thank  thee  for  the  prospect  of 
an  eternal  Sabbath,  where  thy  servants  shall  serve  thee 
without  one  wandering  thought,  without  weariness,  and 


IGO  FOURTH    WKFK. 

without  distraction !  0  grant,  in  mercy  grant,  that  none 
of  those  who  have  this  day  met  together  in  thy  house, 
may  be  wanting  in  the  number  of  those  who  shall  dwell 
in  that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  hea- 
vens, for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  Amen. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  MORNING.      Blchersteth. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
of  whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named, 
who  hast  said  that  thou  wilt  be  the  God  of  all  the  families 
of  Israel,  and  they  shall  be  thy  people ;  dispose  our  hearts 
by  the  gracious  influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  toworsliip 
thee  through  one  Mediator,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Thou  art  God,  and  there  is  none  beside  thee;  the  Crea- 
tor of  heaven  and  earth,  the  Lord  of  glory,  the  Lord  God, 
merciful  and  gracious,  long  suftering,  abundant  in  good- 
ness and  truth,  keeping  mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving 
iniquity,  and  transgressions,  and  sin,  and  that  will  by  no 
means  clear  the  guilty.  We  bow  and  worship  at  thy 
footstool ;  we  acknowledge  thee  to  be  the  Lord. 

Accept,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  our 
unfeigned  thanksgivings  for  the  mercies  of  another  day. 
Thou  gavest  us  our  being,  and  thou  preservest  us  from 
day  to  day.  Through  the  defenceless  hours  of  the  night 
thou  hast  kept  us  in  safety.  Thou  hast  given  us  a  soul 
capable  of  knowing  and  rejoicing  in  thee,  and  a  body  by 
which  we  may  serve  thee. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  seeing  eye,  and  the  hearing  ear, 
for  the  free  use  of  our  limbs  and  our  senses,  for  the  power 
of  the  mind,  and  the  affections  of  the  heart. 

But,  0  Lord,  we  thank  thee  most  of  all  for  thy  spirit- 
ual blessings.  We  bless  thee  that  we  were  not  born  in 
heathen  lands,  but  in  this  fiivoured  country,  where  the 
light  of  thy  truth  clearly  shines.  We  tliank  thee  for 
the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  for  the  labours  of 
faithful  ministers,  and  fur  all  the  means  of  grace.      0 


FOURTH  WEEK.  161 

hoTv  great  has  been  thy  love  to  us  !  Thou  sparedst  not 
thine  own  Son,  but  delivercdst  him  up  for  us  all,  and 
with  him  thou  hast  freelj  given  us  all  things. 

What  reward  shall  we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  ?  We  desire  now  afresh  to  devote  ourselves  to 
thj  service.  We  give  up  ourselves,  our  whole  selves 
unto  thee.  God  of  peace,  sanctify  us  wholly :  God  of 
our  life,  grant  that  our  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body, 
may  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

But  with  shame  and  confusion  of  face,  we  would  con- 
fess that  we  have  been  rebellious  and  disobedient.  Thou 
art  holy,  but  we  are  unholy.  Thou  art  merciful,  but  we 
have  often  been  selfish  and  unkind.  Thou  art  pure,  but 
we  are  impure.  Thou  art  patient,  but  Ave  are  impatient. 
We  have  abused  all  thy  gifts,  and  made  them  occasions 
of  sin.  Lord,  we  acknowledge  our  impenitence,  we  con- 
fess our  unbelief,  we  bewail  our  self-righteousness. 

Forgive  us  all  our  offences,  remember  not  against  us 
our  transgressions,  but  remember  thy  great  and  tender 
mercies  which  have  been  ever  of  old.  Grant  unto  every 
one  of  us  a  saving  interest  in  the  death  of  Christ,  full 
and  free  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins,  and  grace  and 
strength  to  go  and  sin  no  more.  Lord,  help  us  to  love 
thee,  teach  us  to  serve  thee.  Give  us  thy  strength  that 
we  may  overcome  our  corrupt  nature.  Grant  that  this 
day  we  may  have  power  from  on  high  to  resist  every 
temptation,  to  confess  Christ  before  men,  to  labour  stead- 
fastly with  a  single  eye  to  thy  glory,  to  live  in  the  spirit 
of  prayer,  in  faith,  humility,  self-denial,  and  love,  and 
to  walk  before  thee  in  that  narrow  way  which  leads  to 
eternal  life.  Fill  us  with  love  to  others.  Teach  us  to 
do  good  to  all  men,  [and  to  seek  according  to  our 
means  to  visit  and  relieve  the  fatherless  and  the  widows 
in  their  affliction,]  and  do  thou  keop  us  unspotted  from 
the  world. 

Lord,  for  thy  name's  sake,  hear  us.  We  beseech  thee, 
according  to  thy  infinite  mercy,  give  us  grace  to  serve 
thee,  constantly  and  unfeignedly.     Herein  art  thou  glo- 

02 


162  FOURTH    WEEK. 

rifled,  that  we  bear  much  fruit.  For  tliine  o^vn  glory, 
grant  us  thy  Spirit,  that  we  may  bring  forth  all  the 
fruits  of  righteousness. 

And  hear  us  farther  in  behalf  of  our  relations  and 
friends,  our  neighbourhood,  our  minister,  and  all  for 
•whom  we  ouglit  to  pray.  Help  those  that  are  weak. 
Comfort  those  that  are  cast  down.  Ileal  those  that  are 
sick.  Relieve  those  that  are  in  distress.  Be  merciful 
unto  thy  church.  0  bless  us,  and  cause  thy  face  to 
shine  upon  us,  that  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth, 
thy  saving  health  among  all  nations.  Bring  the  Gen- 
tiles to  Christ.  Gather  thy  people  Israel  into  tliy  fold. 
Give  wisdom  and  power  to  every  effort  of  Christian  love 
for  spreading  tliy  gospel.  Bless  all  societies  formed  for 
this  end,  and  let  those  who  support  and  conduct  them, 
have  thy  direction  and  guidance.  Lord,  grant  that  tlie 
power  of  the  cross  of  Christ,  may  at  lengtli  fully  tri- 
umph over  all  error  and  superstition,  all  idolatry,  and 
delusion,  and  sin. 

Gracious  Lord,  not  for  our  worthiness,  but  for  tho 
only  name's  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  liear  tliese  our  pray- 
ers, which  we  sum  up  in  his  own  words. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING.       JBickersteth. 

0  Eternal  God,  whose  name  is  lovo,  and  who  so  loved 
the  world  that  thou  gavcst  tliiue  only-Iiegotton  Son,  that 
"whosoever  believetli  in  him  should  not  perish  but  have 
everlasting  life,  help  us,  by  tho  Holy  Spirit,  to  believe  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  and  trusting  in  him  to  luive  access  unto  tliee. 

We  feel  our  need  of  a  Saviour  for  sinners;  for  we  all 
have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  tho  gh)ry  of  God.  Wlien 
we  look  back  even  on  tlie  past  day,  thy  law  accuses  us 
of  many  sins,  and  our  own  conscionces  justly  condemn 
us.  We  have  been  forgetful  of  thy  jn-esence;  our  con- 
versation has  beer,  light  and  trifling;  and  we  liave  not 
with  a  single  eye  souglit  thy  glory,  or  copied  the  holy 


FOURTH   WEEK.  163 

bfe  of  our  Saviour  Christ.  He  left  us  a  perfect  exam- 
ple, but  how  seldom  we  tread  in  his  steps :  how  little  we 
have  of  his  meekness  and  lowliness  of  heart,  of  his  zeal 
and  love!  We  have  sinned,  notwithstanding  the  light 
of  thy  word,  and  the  checks  of  our  own  consciences. 

Grant  us  thy  grace  that  we  may  not  be  hardened 
through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  Give  us  true  repent- 
ance, and  such  a  sense  of  our  sinfulness  as  may  lead  us 
to  despair  of  salvation  by  any  works  of  our  own ;  and 
bring  us  humbled  and  penitent  to  the  foot  of  the  cross. 
Help  us  by  faith  to  behold  the  Lamb  of  God  which 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.  Teach  us  to  renounce 
our  own  righteousness,  and  to  depend  wholly  on  Jesus 
Christ :  may  we  be  able  to  say  and  feel,  "  In  the  Lord 
have  I  righteousness  and  strength." 

Teach  us  to  come  to  Jesus  Christ,  and  now  to  look  to 
him,  not  only  for  pardon  and  peace,  but  also  for  grace 
and  strength.  We  are  weak,  but  Jesus  is  strong :  grant 
that  we  may  be  made  strong  in  and  through  him.  Draw 
us  tc  Christ,  that  we  may  receive  out  of  his  fulness  all 
that  we  need,  repentance,  remission  of  sins,  and  the  gift 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  that  he  may  dwell  in  our  hearts  by 
faith,  and  we  be  rooted  and  grounded  in  love. 

We  commend  ourselves  to  thy  care  during  the  night. 
Let  no  evil  come  nigh  us.  May  our  last  thoughts  be 
with  thee;  and  when  we  awake,  may  we  be  still  with 
thee.  Refresh  our  bodies  with  the  quiet  repose  of  the 
night,  and  renew  our  spiritual  strength.  Teach  us  ever 
to  watch  and  pray,  and  to  be  ahvays  ready,  seeing  we 
know  neither  the  day  nor  the  hour  when  the  Son  of  Man 
shall  come. 

Extend  thy  merciful  care  to  all  that  are  near  and  dear 
to  us.  We  pray  for  all  our  relatives.  May  those  that 
ai-e  endeared  to  us  by  the  ties  of  nature,  be  yet  more 
dear  by  the  stronger  bonds  of  grace.  Grant  that  we 
may  be  all  one  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  We  pray  for 
our  Christian  friends,  for  our  neighbours,  and  all  with 
whom  we  have  intercourse. 

Bless  those  that  minister  before  the  Lord.  May  they  be 


164  FOURTH   WEEK. 

faithful,  wise,  humble,  and  devoted  servants  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Clirist.  Every  Avhcre  raise  up  pastors  according 
to  thine  heart,  which  shall  feed  thy  people  with  know- 
ledge and  undei'standing.  Grant  thy  blessing  to  every 
missionary  now  preaching  Christ  to  the  Gentiles.  Cause 
Jew  and  Gentile  to  turn  to  the  Lord,  that  they  may  be 
saved.  Bring  on  the  happy  day,  when  there  shall  be 
one  fold  and  one  Shepherd ;  and  they  shall  not  hurt,  nor 
destroy,  in  all  thy  holy  mountain. 

0  thou  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  we  praise 
and  bless  thee  for  thy  great  and  continued  mercies  to  us. 
All  things  thou  givest  to  us  richly  for  enjoyment.  We 
receive  from  thee  full  provision  for  all  our  temporal 
Avants,  and  thou  forgivest  our  inirpiities. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  thou  our  Lord 
nnd  Father  pitiest  them  that  fear  thee.  Thou  knowest 
our  frame ;  thou  remeraberest  that  we  are  dust.  Thou 
hast  had  compassion  on  us  in  our  low  and  lost  estate, 
and  thou  gavest  thy  Son  to  die  for  us ;  and  now  thou 
offercst  and  givest  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  soften  our  hard 
hearts  and  to  help  our  infirmities.  Thou  justifiest  us 
freely  by  thy  grace,  adoptest  us  into  thy  family,  and 
givest  us  a  hope  full  of  glory. 

Behold  what  manner  of  love  thou  our  Father  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us  that  we  should  be  called  the  sons  of  God ! 
God  of  mercy,  grant,  only  grant,  that  we  may  be  fol- 
lowers of  thee  as  dear  children,  and  show  forth  thy 
praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives,  through 
Jt'sus  Christ. 

And  now  blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power, 
be  unto  Ilim  that  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 

The  Lord  bless  us,  and  keep  us. 

The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be 
gracious  unto  us. 

The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  give 
us  peace. 


FOURTH   WEEK.  165 


TUESDAY  MORNING.     Bichersteth. 

Almighty  God,  source  of  every  good,  and  fountain 
of  every  blessing,  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  in  him  our  God  and  Father,  give  us 
the  Spirit  of  adoption,  and  enable  us  to  cry,  Abba,  Fa- 
ther. Help  us  to  come  and  pour  out  our  hearts  before 
thee  with  the  same  confidence  and  affection  with  which 
children  go  to  an  earthly  parent.  Enable  us  to  repose 
on  thy  love,  to  tell  thee  all  our  desires,  and  all  our  sor- 
rows; and  from  the  heart,  to  thank  thee  for  all  thy 
goodness  to  us. 

Great  and  abundant  cause  we  have  to  bless  our  God 
for  all  that  he  is  in  himself,  and  for  all  that  he  is  to  us. 
Thy  mercies  are  new  every  morning.  We  thank  thee 
that  we  meet  together  in  peace  and  safety.  Thou  hast 
been  our  defence  and  our  refuge.  Let  then  the  outgo- 
ings of  the  morning  and  of  the  evening  praise  thee. 

We  thank  thee  more  especially  for  all  the  mercies  of 
redemption.  In  the  gospel  of  Christ,  mercy  and  truth 
meet  together,  and  righteousness  and  peace  kiss  each 
other.  Thus  can  even  we  rejoice  in  thy  power  and  jus- 
tice, thy  holiness,  mercy,  and  love ;  and  bless  thee  that 
the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  this  thy  glory  shines,  m 
the  hearts  of  thy  people,  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Blessed  be  thou,  the  just  God  and  the  Saviour. 

0  how  unworthy  we  are  of  the  least  of  thy  mercies ! 
We  are  all  sinful  and  guilty.  We  have  turned  every 
one  to  his  own  way.  We  would  give  thee  glory  by  an 
ingenuous  and  free  confession  that  in  many  things  we 
have  all  offended  thee.  From  our  youth  up,  even  till 
now,  we  have  been  great  sinners. 

We  dare  not  justify  ourselves  in  thy  sight,  for  if  wo 
should  attempt  it,  even  our  own  mouths  would  condemn 
us.  We  have  omitted  to  perform  many  plain  duties. 
We  have  done  many  things  for  Avhich  our  consciences 
justly  accuse  us.  All  our  righteousnesses  are  defiled. 
All  our  prayers  and  services  are  polluted. 


166  FOURTH    WEEK. 

Yet  spare  us,  good  Lord,  spare  us,  according  to  thy 
great  compassion  and  thy  tender  mercy.  Lord  God  of 
our  salvation,  it  is  thy  gracious  promise  on  which  our 
Bouls  rely,  that  if  we  confess  our  sins  thou  art  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  unrighteousness.  AVe  now  confess  our  sins,  and  we 
ask  that  they  may  be  forgiven,  and  that  our  souls  may 
be  purified  from  sin.  "We  plead  for  thy  mercy,  for 
Jesus  bore  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  tree.  AVe 
plead  thy  faithfulness  according  to  thy  many  precious 
promises. 

Cleanse,  we  beseech  thee,  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts, 
by  the  influence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  per- 
fectly love  thee,  and  worthily  magnify  thy  holy  name. 
Strengthen  us  for  the  duties  of  this  day.  Suffer  us  not 
to  be  tempted  above  what  we  are  able  to  bear ;  but  with 
every  temptation,  make  a  way  to  escape.  Incline  and 
enable  us  to  walk  in  that  way. 

Hold  thou  up  our  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  our  foot- 
steps slip  not.  Set  a  watch  before  our  moutlis,  and 
keep  the  door  of  our  lips,  that  we  offend  not  with  our 
tongue.  May  we  always  speak  that  which  is  good  to 
the  use  of  edifying,  that  it  may  minister  grace  to  the 
hearers.  Enable  us  also  to  keep  our  heart  with  all  dili- 
gence, seeing  that  out  of  it  arc  the  issues  of  life.  In- 
crease our  faith,  enliven  our  hope,  and  enlarge  our 
cliarity,  that  we  may  faithfully  serve  thee,  and  in  all 
things  glorify  thy  holy  name. 

AVe  jtray  for  all  our  relatives  and  friends.  Give  them 
prosperity  both  of  body  and  soul.*  Grant  that  grace  and 

•  When  any  menibor  of  the  family  is  Bick,  ndd — 

We  jiartirul.irly  coiniiKiHi  unto  tiae  thiil  mciiibir  of  our  faiiiilv  now 
in  allliclidn;  nciy  faith,  paticntf,  Kiilimissioii,  and  nsiynation,  ho 
(granted  in  tliis  hour  of  trial,  and  in  thy  own  (;(M)d  tiniu  riinovt'  the 
tttlliclion.  And,  Lord,  prant  that  nil  our  tribulations  hire  b«low  may 
kad  us  to  look  at  tlie  thin>,'H  which  are  above,  and  work  out  for  us  a 
fir  more  exceeding  and  eternal  wei^jht  of  f;lnry.  Kver  jjivc  us  a  >i|)iril 
of  sympathy,  and  tinder  feelinj,',  and  love  for  each  other,  and  mav 
we  always  be  ready  to  W".':^  with  Uiosc  that  Weep,  and  rejoice  with 
iliutte  Uiat  rejoice. 


FOURTH   WEEK.  167 

peace  may  he  multiplied  to  all  those  that  call  on  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  their  Lord  and  ours. 
8eek  and  save  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel. 
Let  the  light  of  life  shine  into  every  benighted  heart. 
Increase  especially  among  the  people  of  this  nation,  the 
number  of  those  who  know,  and  love,  and  serve  thee. 
Bless  our  rulers,  and  guide  our  statesmen ;  teach  thy 
ministers  and  prosper  thy  people,  that  there  may  be  no 
complaining  in  our  streets ;  and  that  it  may  be  said  of 
us,  "  Happy  is  the  people  that  is  in  such  a  case ;  yea, 
happy  is  that  people  whose  God  is  the  Lord." 

Those  prayers  we  offer  up  in  the  name  and  through 
the  mediation  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.      BicJcersteth. 

0  Thou,  who  art  the  God  of  all  the  families  of  the 
earth,  Avho  didst  favourably  notice  Abraham's  command- 
ing his  children  and  his  household  after  him  to  keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord ;  be  thou  present  with  us  now,  and 
enable  us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  through  thy  Son's 
intercession,  to  Avorship  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 

We  come  before  thee,  acknowledging  that  we  were  all 
born  in  sin,  the  children  of  wrath,  and  have  in  common 
a  corrupt  nature  and  a  continual  propensity  to  depart 
from  thee.  And  0  how  often  have  we  offended  thee, 
*-he  God  of  all  the  earth,  by  actual  transgressions ! 

Even  in  the  day  that  is  past,  by  vain  thoughts,  by 
idle  words,  by  sinful  indulgences,  we  have  grieved  thy 
Spirit,  and  we  have  incurred  thy  displeasure.  Our  only 
refuge  is  in  thy  promised  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.     We 

When  any  member  of  the  family  is  on  a  journey,  add — 
O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  regard  with  tiiy  favour,  protect  and  defend 
him  who  is  now  absent  from  us.  Taite  him  under  thy  special  care. 
Preserve  him  from  every  temptation.  Prosper  him  in  his  undertakings 
May  he  be  a  blessing  every  wiierc  he  goes;  and  bring  him  in  health  and 
peace  among  us  again,  that  we  may  tog(  ther  have  fresh  cause  Ui  jiraiw 
and  bless  thy  holy  name. 


108  FOURTH  WEEK. 

cast  ourselves  wholly  on  that  mercy.  Fixing  all  cur 
hopes  on  our  Saviour  Jesus,  we  confess  our  guilt,  and 
earnestly  pray  that  his  blood  may  cleanse  us  from  all 
sin. 

And  give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  comfortable  assur- 
ance that  our  sins  are  forgiven.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit 
bear  witness  with  our  spirits  that  we  are  children  of  God. 
Plentifully  impart  to  us  the  gift  of  thy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  bring  forth  love,  joy,  peace,  gentleness,  goodness, 
meekness,  long-suffering,  forbearance,  and  temperance. 
Grant  that  we  may  so  copy  the  example  of  our  Saviour, 
as  to  be  the  epistles  of  Christ,  known  and  read  of  all 
men ;  and  have  clear  evidence  of  our  own  salvation. 
Teach  us  so  to  live,  that  we  may  glorify  thee  Avho  hast 
bought  us  with  a  price  of  such  amazing  value  as  the 
blood  of  thine  own  Son. 

0  that  all  now  kneeling  together  may  indeed  obtair 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus,  may  pass  from  death  unto  life, 
and  love  and  serve  thee  unfcigncdly.  But,  0  Lord,  how 
cold  is  our  love  to  thee  !  how  dead,  how  dull  are  our 
hearts  !  Help  us  to  love  thee  ;  to  love  God  with  all  our 
heart,  with  all  our  mind,  with  all  our  soul,  and  with  all 
our  strength.  Shed  abroad  the  love  of  God  in  our  hearts, 
by  giving  us  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  may  we  be  taught  of 
God  to  love  one  another.  Be  tliou  present  with  us  in 
our  more  retired  devotions  ;  praying  to  our  Father  which 
is  in.  secret  in  our  closet,  may  we  find  his  presence  and 
blessing  there. 

Bless,  0  Lord,  all  that  are  near  and  dear  to  us.  Many 
beloved  relatives  and  friends  are  now  absent  from  us ; 
but  thou  art  with  them,  and  all  their  waTits  are  known  to 
thee.  Give  them  thy  grace;  ever  guide  them  here  by 
thy  counsel,  and  may  none  of  them  be  wanting  in  thy 
heavenly  kingdom. 

"We  pray  fur  all  in  authority ;  Lord,  may  their  coun- 
sels be  ordered  by  thee  as  may  be  most  for  the  good  of 
our  country. 

Give,  we  beseech  thee,  to  all  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ 
every  where,  true  knowledge  and  understanding  of  thy 


FOURTH   WEEK.  169 

word ;  and  may  they  set  it  forth  in  their  lives  accord- 
ingly. Make  them  wise  to  win  souls.  Lord,  call  forth 
and  send  out  many  faithful  labourers  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  May  the  distant  isles  wait  on  thee,  and  the 
Gentiles  come  to  thy  light.  Bless  every  society  esta- 
blished for  benefiting  the  bodies  or  the  souls  of  men,  and 
especially  those  in  which  we  are  more  immediately  en- 
gaged and  interested. 

Thanks  be  unto  thee.  Holy  Lord  God,  for  all  thy 
goodness  towards  us.  How  multiplied  are  thy  mercies 
every  day  !  How  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness  !  We 
bless  thee  for  all  thy  long  suffering  and  forbearance  to- 
wards us.  We  bless  thee  for  the  infinite  mercies  of  re- 
deeming love.  We  bless  thee  for  the  knoAvledge  of  thy 
sah^ation,  and  for  the  light  of  thy  truth ;  for  protection 
from  every  danger  during  the  night,  and  provision  for 
all  our  wants  by  day.  Thou  hast  spread  our  table  with 
food,  and  thou  givest  us  every  needful  good.  Accept 
these  our  prayers  and  our  praises,  which  we  offer  up  in 
and  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advo- 
cate.    Amen. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.  Bickersteth. 

0  Lord  God  Almighty,  the  Creator  of  heaven  and 
earth,  the  Lord  of  glory,  who  art  greatly  to  be  feared  in 
the  assembly  of  thy  saints,  and  to  be  had  in  reverence 
of  all  them  that  are  round  about  thee ;  who  dwellest  in 
heaven,  surrounded  with  angels  and  archangels,  with 
ciierubim  and  serapliim,  who  veil  their  faces  while  they 
praise  and  worship  ;  we  bow  down  before  thee  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ.  None  other  name,  but  the  name 
of  Jesus ;  none  other  merits,  but  the  merits  of  Jesus, 
would  we  plead  in  thy  sight :  but  by  him,  through  one 
Spirit,  may  we  now  have  access  with  confidence  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

0  Thou  whose  name  is  holy,  who  hast  required  that 
8  P 


170  FOURTH   M'EEK. 

we  confess  our  faults  one  to  another ;  vre  would  now 
confess  our  many  and  our  great  sins.  We  have  often 
sinned  against  thee,  and  against  each  other,  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed.  0  forgive  our  hardness  of  heart,  and 
our  earthly-mindcdness ;  all  our  want  of  charity,  all  our 
hastiness  of  spirit,  all  our  bad  tempers,  and  every  sinful 
action. 

For  thine  own  name's  sake  blot  out  our  transgressions, 
and  remember  not  our  sins. 

Lord  of  all  grace,  help  us  ever  hereafter  to  walk  wor- 
thy of  the  vocation  wherewith  we  are  called.  May  we, 
with  all  lowliness,  and  meekness,  with  long-suffering, 
forbearing  one  another  in  love,  endeavour  to  keep  t\ie 
unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  Give  us  grace 
so  to  live,  that  we  may  find  more  and  more  hoAV  gpod 
and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in 
unity. 

Give  unto  each  of  us  grace  to  fulfil  our  duties  toward 
each  other.  As  parents,  may  we  bring  up  our  children 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord ;  and  as  cliil- 
dren,  obey  our  parents  in  all  things. 

We  ask  for  blessings  on  our  native  land.  Lord,  we 
would  sigh  before  thee  for  all  the  abominations  of  our 
country.  0  how  the  swearer,  the  Sabbath-breaker,  the 
covetous,  the  licentious,  and  the  blasphemer,  abound  on 
every  side  !  Because  of  these  things  the  wrath  of  God 
comes  on  the  children  of  disobedience.  Spare  us,  good 
Lord,  spare  us,  for  thy  name's  sake.  Grant,  Ave  beseoc-h 
thee,  that  as  we  have  been  peculiarly  distinguished  by 
thy  mercies,  so  it  may  have  to  be  said  of  us,  "  Surely 
this  great  nation  is  a  wise  and  understanding  people,  for 
what  nation  is  there  so  great,  avIio  hath  God  so  nigh  unto 
them,  as  the  Lord  our  God  is  in  all  things  that  we  call 
upon  him  for." 

Pour  out  of  thy  Spirit  on  all  who  have  the  direction 
of  public  affairs ;  on  all  who  minister  in  holy  things ;  on 
the  magistrates  ;  and  on  the  people  ;  that  a  general  re- 
vival of  religion  may  appear  among  us.  Cause  tliy 
church  every  where  to  floui'ish  and  increase.     We  pray 


FODRTH  WEEK.  171 

especially  for  an  increase  of  the  zeal,  purity  and  love, 
humility  and  devotion  of  thy  people.  Let  Zion  break 
forth  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left.  Add  daily  to 
thy  church,  in  our  own  country,  and  in  heathen  lands, 
such  as  shall  be  saved.  Bless  every  missionary  gone 
forth  to  preach  to  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  Christ,  and  may  more  and  more  grace  be  given  unto 
them  all,  that  they  may  labour  zealously,  wisely,  and 
abundantly  in  thy  cause. 

And  now.  Lord,  accept  our  unfeigned  thanksgivings, 
for  all  those  blessings  which  wc  daily  so  richly  enjoy, 
and  especially  for  the  kind  protection  of  another  night. 
We  thank  thee  more  especially  for  those  many  dear  tics 
of  relationship,  aifection,  and  Christian  principles,  which 
bind  us  together.  We  bless  thee  for  all  that  sympathy 
of  feeling  and  union  of  heart  which  thou  hast  given  us ; 
and  we  pray  that  we  may  be  more  and  more  knit  toge- 
ther in  Christian  love. 

But,  beyond  all  other  mercies,  we  bless  thee  for  the 
common  salvation  of  Jesus  Christ ;  for  his  birth,  his  life, 
his  death,  and  his  resurrection ;  for  all  that  he  was,  and 
is,  and  will  be.  Blessed  be  God  for  the  gift  of  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Saviour,  our  only  hope,  and  our 
sure  refuge. 

We  trust  that  we  may  say  we  are  one  in  Christ,  mem- 
bers of  that  body  of  which  he  is  the  head ;  and  we  bless 
and  praise  thee  for  this  thy  unspeakable  mercy.  We 
thank  thee  for  this  opportunity  of  assembling  ourselves 
together,  to  pay  our  morning  sacrifice ;  and  we  pray  that 
however  we  may  be  separated  here  below,  or  however 
scattered  in  different  stations ;  as  we  have  now  met  to- 
gether here  on  earth,  we  may  hereafter  all  meet  in  hea- 
ven, for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.   Bickersteth. 

Gracious  and  merciful  God,  slow  to  anger,  great  in 
power,  and  rich  in  mercy  to  all  them  that  call  upon  thee, 


172  FOIKTII    WKFK. 

help  us  now  so,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  to  ask,  that  we 
may  have ;  and  so  to  seek,  tliat  we  may  find. 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  us,  0  Lord,  for  in  th^ 

sight  we  cannot  be  justified.     However  unbhimeable  we 

may  appear  before  men,   before   Ilim  who  knows  the 

heart  we  confess  and  would  mourn  over  innumerable 

ins  in  the  past  day,  and  in  every  day  of  our  life. 

We  acknowledge  with  shame  and  sorrow  our  hypo- 
crisy and  pride,  our  vanity  and  selfishness,  our  unbelief 
and  impatience,  our  self-indulgence  and  self-righteous- 
ness, our  obstinacy  and  self-will,  our  disregard  of  thy 
law  and  thy  glory,  our  living  to  ourselves  and  not  to 
thee.  And,  0  how  hard  is  our  heart,  that  feels  so  little 
the  guilt  and  the  evil  of  so  many  and  such  great  sins ! 

Lord  of  all  power  and  might,  soften  and  break  these 
hard  hearts.  Give  us  a  contrite  spirit.  There  is  mercy 
with  thee.  There  is  forgiveness  with  thee.  0  may  thy 
great  mercy  be  displayed  towards  us,  in  pardoning  all 
our  sins,  and  in  renewing  our  souls.  Give  us  penitence, 
faith,  and  self-denial.  Bestow  on  us  th§  graces  of  sin- 
cerity, humility,  and  love. 

May  the  love  of  Christ  be  more  known  and  felt  by  us, 
and  let  it  constrain  us  to  live  not  to  ourselves,  but  to 
him  that  died  for  us.  Grant  us  thy  Holy  S})irit,  teach- 
ing those  things  of  which  we  are  ignorant,  taking  of  the 
things  of  Christ  to  show  them  unto  us,  and  daily  sancti- 
fying our  hearts. 

AVe  ask  for  heavenly  wisdom,  holy  simplicity,  ardent 
zeal,  and  purity  of  heart.  Incline  us  to  study  to  be 
quiet,  and  to  do  our  own  business,  and  to  work  with  our 
own  hands.  Prepare  us,  day  by  day,  more  and  more, 
for  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Make  us  meet 
to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light. 

We  commend  ourselves  to  thy  care  during  the  night. 
May  we  lie  down  at  peace  with  thee,  through  Christ, 
and  in  peace  with  all  the  world. 

O  Lord,  thougli  we  be  unworthy,  through  our  mani- 
fold  transgressions,  to  approach  thee  at  all,  yet  thou  hast 
commanded  that  intercessions  be  made  for  all  nien ;  hear 


FOURTH   WEEK.  173 

US,  tliereforc,  unworthy  though  we  be,  in  behalf  of  all 
that  need  our  prayers.  May  the  Lord  comfort  his  peo- 
ple, and  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted.  Let  all  nations 
whom  thou  hast  made  come  and  worship  before  thee, 
and  glorify  thy  name.  Let  every  obstacle  which  may 
hinder  the  progress  of  thy  truth,  be  removed  in  mercy. 
Bless  all  the  members  of  the  church  of  Christ,  and  all 
his  ministers,  and  especially  those  with  whom  we  are 
more  intimately  connected. 

Give  to  our  parents,  our  brothers,  our  sisters,  and  our 
relatives,  all  those  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings  of 
which  they  stand  in  need.  Bless  our  superiors,  our 
companions,  and  all  about  us.  Continue  the  blessing  of 
peace  to  our  country.  Pardon  any  Avho  may  have  in- 
jured us;  and  if  we  have  injured  any,  may  we  be  ready 
to  confess  our  fault,  and  to  make  restitution  for  any 
wrong  done,  and  may  they  be  disposed  to  forgive  us. 

We  would  not,  0  thou  gracious  Giver  of  every  good, 
close  our  evening  prayer,  without  offering  up,  through 
Christ  Jesus,  our  sincerest  thanksgiving  for  all  the  mer- 
cies of  the  past  day.  For  any  help  vouchsafed  in  our 
duties ;  for  any  stand  which  we  may  have  been  enabled 
to  make  against  sin,  Satan,and  the  world ;  for  any  mea- 
sure of  light,  knowledge,  or  grace,  given  unto  us,  all 
praise,  all  glory  be  to  thee.  If  we  are  still  kept  in  thy 
way,  and  yet  spared  from  that  ruin  which  we  have  de- 
served, while  we  live,  let  us  praise  and  bless  thee. 

How  great  is  the  sum  of  thy  mercies !  When  we  look 
back  on  thy  past  blessings,  when  we  read  thy  promises 
relating  to  .that  which  is  to  come,  and  when  we  look 
around  us  on  every  side,  and  especially  when  we  regard 
that  cross  on  Avhich  thy  Son  died  for  sinners,  we  would 
say  from  the  heart,  Our  mouths  shall  speak  the  praise  of 
the  Lord,  and  let  all  flesh  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever. 

Hear  us,  for  the  only  sake  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


P2 


174  FOURXa    WEEK. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.    Biclersteth. 

Merciful  God,  give  ear  unto  us,  -when  we  cry  to  tliee, 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ.  Our  voices  slialt  thou  hear 
in  the  morning,  0  Lord;  in  the  morning  will  we  direct 
our  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will  look  up.  Lord,  help  us 
to  pray. 

Great  is  the  need  that  we  have  to  seek  the  Lord  while 
he  may  be  found,  and  to  call  upon  him  while  he  is  near. 
We  know  that  in  us,  that  is,  in  our  flesh,  there  dwelleth 
no  good  thing.  The  things  of  the  world,  the  lust  of  the 
eye,  and  the  lust  of  the  flesh,  and  the  pride  of  life,  are' 
continually  tempting  us,  and  leading  us  astray  from  thee. 
Our  affections  towards  thee,  0  God,  are  cold  and  dull. 
Our  tempers  are  often  unsanctified.  AVe  are  prone  to  de- 
part from  thee,  and  lukewarm  and  indiflorent  when  we 
ought  to  have  a  holy  zeal.  We  too  much  neglect  and 
trifle  with  our  own  salvation,  and  the  salvation  of  our 
relatives  and  friends.  We  have  little  of  that  spiritual 
mind  which  is  life  and  peace.  Our  temptations  are  many, 
we  often  yield  to  them;  we  have  no  strength  of  our  own 
to  resist  them. 

AVe  beseech  thee,  therefore,  0  our  God,  to  be  very 
merciful  to  us,  sinners.  Incline  and  enable  us  to  come 
to  Jesus  Christ,  weary  and  heavy  laden  as  we  are,  and 
may  we  find  rest  in  him.  Teach  us  our  own  guilt  and 
ruin;  and  help  us  to  rely  on  his  blood,  and  build  all  our 
hopes  on  his  righteousness.  God  grant  that,  being  graft- 
ed in  Christ,  we  may  live  to  him.  SuftVr  us  not  to  de- 
ceive ourselves  by  a  mere  form  and  profession  of  reli- 
gion ;  but  give  us  true  faith,  that  we  may  really  abide  in 
Christ  and  bear  much  fruit.  C^)uicken  thou  our  souls. 
Make  our  hearts  pure,  huiiiltle,  and  devout ;  and  our  c(in- 
versation  holy  and  hcaverdy.  Thou  art  our  Ivock,  and  in 
thee  do  we  trust.  Thou  art  our  Strength,  O  establish  us. 
Help  us  to  live  near  to  thee  all  the  day  long ;  and  do  thou 
preserve  us  from  that  sin  which  does  so  easily  beset  us. 

Give  us  grace  this  day  to  overcome  temptation,  and  tc 


FOURTU   WEEK.  175 

mortify  all  our  corrupt  affections.  Grant  unto  us  the 
abundance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Lord,  we  deserve  not 
the  blessing;  we  have  forfeited  the  mercy :  but,  0  Thou, 
with  whjm  is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit,  for  the  glory  of 
thy  name,  and  according  to  thy  faithful  promise,  give  us 
thy  Spirit,  that  we  may  never  dishonour  thee  by  incon- 
sistency and  unfruitfulness,  but  abound  in  every  good 
work,  and  walk  worthy  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Enable 
us  to  begin  anew  this  day,  in  seriousness  and  entire  de- 
dication of  heart,  to  give  ourselves  to  thee. 

Lord,  help  us  this  day  to  live  in  prayer,  to  watch 
against  the  peculiar  temptations  of  our  station,  to  em- 
brace every  opportunity  of  doing  good,  to  redeem  the 
time,  and  to  make  steady  advances  in  that  narrow  way 
which  leadcth  to  eternal  life. 

And  while  Ave  pray  to  thee  for  those  mercies  which 
we  need,  we  would  from  the  heart  thank  thee  for  all 
those  great  blessings  Avhich  we  have  received,  and  do 
from  day  to  day  enjoy.  The  benefit  of  quiet  repose,  the 
renewal  of  our  strength,  the  light  which  we  enjoy,  and 
the  better  light  of  life ;  these,  and  all  the  mercies  which 
surround  us  on  awaking,  call  for  our  unfeigned  thanks- 
giving, and  we  do  praise  and  bless  thee  for  them.  Blessed 
be  thou,  for  redeeming  mercy.  Blessed  be  thou,  that 
Jesus  died  for  sinners,  even  for  us.  Thanks  be  unto 
thee,  that  grace,  pardon,  peace,  strength,  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and_ eternal  life,  are  given  to  sinners,  through  faith  in 
Christ.  Unto  Ilim  that  loved  us,  and  washed  us  from 
our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  and  hath  made  us  to  be  kings 
and  priests  unto  God,  and  his  Father,  to  him  be  glory 
and  dominion  for  ever  and  ever. 

0  Lord  God,  let  the  bright  glory  and  happy  dominion 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  spread  tlirough  the  world. 
Licrease  both  the  number  and  tbe  zeal  of  those  seeking 
the  good  of  Zion,  and  the  enlargement  of  thy  Son's  king° 
dom.  Grant  thy  blessing  to  every  effort  to  make  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  known  to  the  Gentiles. 
Give  unto  thy  people  Israel  the  new  heart  and  the  new 
spirit.     Bless  our  favoured  country,  so  that  it  may  bo 


176  FOURTH   WEEK. 

a  liiglilj'  honoured  instrument  in  diffusing  the  light  of 
trutli  iibroad;  and  grant  that  every  exertion  for  that  end 
may  he  a  means  of  reviving  true  religion  in  all  our  hearts 
at  home.  Bless  all  in  authority.  Let  thy  priests  l»e 
clothed  Avith  righteousness,  and  thy  people  sing  for  joy. 
May  peace  and  mercy  be  granted  to  all  our  relatives,  and 
rest  on  our  own  souls,  and  in  our  own  family.  May  Ave, 
and  all  thy  people,  be  united  in  one  heart  and  mind  in 
thy  service  and  love,  praying  for  each  other,  bearing  one 
another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfilling  the  law  of  Christ. 
Hear  us  for  his  name's  sake. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


THURSDAY  EVENING.    Bickersteth. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all 
comfort,  according  to  thy  gracious  promise,  give  us  thy 
Holy  Spirit  to  help  our  infirmities,  and  enable  us,  in  the 
name,  and  through  tlie  mediation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
cur  Lord,  to  call  upon  thee. 

Great  is  thy  goodness  to  us  sinners,  in  that  we,  Avlm 
have  grievously  offended  thee,  have  such  a  Mediator, 
Avho  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us.  "Without 
a  Saviour  we  can  have  no  hope;  for  Ave  have  sinned 
against  thee,  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight  day  by  day. 

We  confess  and  mourn  before  thee  the  manifold  sins 
of  the  past  day.  We  daily  offend  thee  by  pride,  im- 
penitence, hardness  of  heart,  unbelief,  and  forgctfulness 
of  thee,  ami  in  many  other  Avays:  leaving  undone  the 
things  Avhich  Ave  ought  to  have  done,  and  doing  those 
things  Avhich  Ave  ought  not. 

Lord,  let  thy  Holy  Sj)irit  convince  us  of  our  sinful- 
ness. We  pray  that  Ave  may  see  more  of  the  extent  of 
our  iniquities,  and  feel  more  of  their  guilt.  Thus  may 
Ave  be  led  to  hate  sin,  and  to  feel  tlie  need  and  value  of 
that  Saviour  Avho  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that  Avhich 
was  lost.     Grant  that  avc  may  be  partakers  of  his  great 


FOURTH   WEEK.  177 

salvation.     Whatever  else  we  lose,  may  we  win  Clirist 
and  be  found  in  him. 

Lord,  vve  are  unclean ;  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make 
us  clean.  We  believe  that  thou  art  able,  we  believe  that 
thou  art  willing.  Lord,  help  our  unbelief;  Lord,  make 
us  clean. 

Give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  such  a  sense  of  thy  mercy 
in  free  forgiveness,  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  that  we 
may  be  constrained  to  present  our  bodies  a  living  sacri- 
fice unto  thee.  Enable  us  daily  to  crucify  the  lusts  of 
the  flesh.  Give  us  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace,  that  all 
the  powers  of  our  minds,  all  the  affections  of  our  hearts, 
and  all  the  talents  entrusted  to  us,  may  be  unreservedly 
engaged  for  thee.  Lord,  incline  us  to  spend  ourselves 
and  be  spent  for  thee ;  strengthen  our  desire  to  do  so,  and 
enable  us  ever  hereafter  to  bring  this  desire  to  good  effect. 

Let  the  number  of  thy  willing  and  devoted  servants  be 
every  where  increased.  Be  thou  exalted,  0  God,  above 
the  heavens,  and  thy  glory  above  all  the  earth.  Pour  out 
thy  Spirit  upon  all  flesh,  that  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 
may  remember  and  turn  unto  the  Lord,  and  all  the  kin- 
dreds of  the  nations  may  worship  before  thee.  Let  thy 
great  name,  now  so  little  known,  and  so  much  profaned, 
be  magnified  and  sanctified  in  every  country  and  by 
every  tongue. 

Bless  the  land  in  which  we  dwell;  its  government, 
the  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  all  its  people.  May 
we  be  a  people  fearing  God  and  working  righteousness. 
Look  with  thine  especial  favour  on  our  relatives  and 
friends,  our  family  connexions  and  acquaintance.  May 
they  all  be  partakers  of  the  grace  of  Christ  here,  and  of 
his  glory  hereafter. 

We  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times,  his  praise  shall 
continually  be  in  our  mouths.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  our 
Bouls,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits.  How  great  and 
how  numerous  they  are  ! 

Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth  us  with  bene- 
fits.    All  the  temporal  mercies  granted  so  abundantly 
to  us,  our  food,  our  clothing,  our  home,  our  friends,  the 
8* 


178  FOURTH    WEEK. 

daily  provisions  for  our  various  necessities,  tliesc  are  from 
thee,  who  openest  tlij  hand  and  fillcst  all  things  living 
with  plenteousness.  But,  above  all,  blessed  be  the  God 
and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  blessed 
us  with  all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  things  in  Christ 
Jesus.    Thanks  be  unto  God  for  his  unspeakable  gift. 

Now  unto  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  invisible,  the 
only  Avise  God,  be  honour  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 

These  prayers  and  praises  we  oft'er  up  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  perishing  sinners : 
trusting  only  in  his  mediation  and  merits. 

Our  Father,  kc. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.       Bichersteth. 

Almigiity  and  heavenly  Father,  who  art  about  our 
path,  and  about  our  bed,  and  spiest  out  all  our  ways ;  we 
3omo  to  thee  in  the  name  of  thy  beloved  Son,  to  sup- 
olicate  thy  mercy  as  we  enter  upon  the  duties  of  another 
day. 

Thou,  0  Lord,  art  a  shield  for  us,  our  glory,  and  the 
lifter  up  of  our  heads.  We  laid  us  down,  and  slept;  we 
awaked,  for  thou.  Lord,  hast  sustained  us.  For  restored 
light,  for  life,  and  health,  and  strength,  Ave  praise  and 
bless  thee.  Thou,  Lord,  only,  keepest  us  in  safety,  and 
free  from  evil.  Thou  providest  for  all  our  wants.  May 
our  souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us,  magnify  God  for  all 
his  goodness,  and  especially  for  his  wonderful  mercy  in 
redeeming  sinners  by  Jesus  Christ;  for  the  light  of  that 
Sun  of  Righteousness,  which  arises  with  healing  in  his 
winjxs  on  beni<rhted  souls;  for  all  the  blessiny-s  of  free 
salvation  through  him,  all  the  means  of  grace,  and  tho 
hope  of  future  glory. 

Sad  are  the  returns  which  we  have  made  for  so  many 
mercies.  IIow  ungrateful  have  wo  been !  We  acknow- 
ledire  and  bcAvail  our  manifold  sins  and  rebellions.  We 
were  born  in  sin,  and  we  find  continually  the  flesh  lust- 
ing against  tho  spirit,  and  the  spirit  against  the  licsh,  so 


FOURTH  WEEK.  179 

that  we  caKnot  do  the  things  that  we  would,  "We  are 
guilty,  sinful,  and  weak.  Lord,  save  us,  or  we  peiish. 
We  entirely  depend  on  thy  mercy,  in  Christ  Jesus,  for 
the  gift  and  continuance  of  every  good,  and  for  deliver- 
ance from  all  those  evils  which  we  have  justly  deserved. 

For  that  mercy  Ave  now  earnestly  look  to  thee,  0 
Father  of  mercies.  Remember  us,  0  Lord,  with  the 
favour  that  thou  bearest  unto  thy  people.  0  visit  us 
with  thy  salvation ;  that  we  may  see  the  good  of  thy 
chosen,  that  we  may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy  peo- 
ple, that  Ave  may  glory  Avith  thine  inheritance.  May  the 
grace  of  God  Avhich  bringeth  salvation,  teach  us,  and  all 
men,  to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  Ha'c 
soberly,  righteously,  and  godly,  in  this  present  world. 
Enable  us  now,  and  ever  hereafter,  to  seek  the  glory  of 
thy  holy  name,  by  fulfilling  every  duty  of  our  station 
conscientiously  and  diligently. 

Give  us  grace  to  be  continually  looking  to  thee,  through 
this  day,  for  direction,  assistance,  and  strength.  Be 
thou  in  all  our  thoughts,  and  let  us  acknoAvledge  thee  in 
all  our  ways. 

Give  us  the  same  mind  that  was  in  Christ  Jesus,  that 
we  may  be  humble,  patient,  gentle,  and  full  of  love,  cA^en 
as  he  Avas.  Teach  us  to  be  poor  in  spirit,  and  meek ;  to 
mourn  for  sin,  and  to  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness ;  and  thus  shall  Ave  obtain  the  blessings  of  the  king- 
dom of  Christ.  Grant  that  we  may  love  that  Saviour 
Avhom  Ave  have  not  seen,  and  believing  in  him  may  we 
rejoice  Avith  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

And  here,  constrained  by  thy  mercies,  Ave  Avould  afresh 
present  our  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy  and  acceptable 
unto  thee,  Avhich  is  our  reasonable  service.  We  renew 
in  tliy  presence  all  our  solemn  a'oavs,  renouncing  the 
world,  the  flesh,  and  the  dcA'il ;  and  steadfastly  purpos- 
ing, by  thy  help,  to  keep  thy  holy  Avill  and  command- 
ments, and  Avalk  in  the  same  this  and  every  day  of  our 
lives.  We  take  thee,  0  God,  for  our  portion,  and  thy 
laws  as  our  rule,  and  thy  service  as  our  duty,  entreating 
thee  to  give  us  grace  that  we  may  be  Avholly  thine. 


180  FOURTH  WEEK. 

And  0  that  all  mankind  knew  and  served  thee.  Grant 
that  the  kingdom  which  is  righteousness,  and  peace,  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  be  established  in  every  land, 
in  every  heart.  Fulfil  thy  gracious  promises.  Send  thy 
gospel  to  the  Gentiles,  and  let  them  be  turned  from  dark- 
ness to  light.  Let  the  kingdoms  of  this  -world  speedily 
become  the  kingdoms  of  our  God  and  his  Christ,  that  he 
may  reign  for  ever. 

Grant  the  abundance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  the  minis- 
ters of  Christ  every  where,  and  especially  to  him  who 
watches  over  our  souls.  Bless  the  place  and  the  neigh- 
bourhood in  which  we  live,  and  prosper  every  eflFort  to 
do  good.  . 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee  also  to  bless  our  more  imme- 
diate relations.  Regard  with  thy  favour  our  parents,  our 
brothers  and  sisters,  our  benefactors  and  friends,  our  con- 
nexions and  acquaintance.  Look  upon  them  in  mercy, 
and  visit  them  with  thy  salvation.  Ilear  these  prayers, 
for  the  only  sake  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


FRIDAY  EVENING.        BicTcersteth 

Almiohty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  the  earth  is  thine, 
and  the  fulness  thereof,  the  round  world,  and  they  that 
dwell  therein. 

AVe  come,  as  sinners,  but  trusting  in  thy  beloved  Son, 
our  Advocate,  and  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  look- 
ing for  the  promised  spirit  of  grace  and  supplication. 

Lord,  we  confess  before  thee  our  own  sins,  and  those 
of  our  country.  Like  thy  pco])le  of  old,  while  we  have 
been  greatly  distinguislied  by  privileges,  we  have  also 
been  a  sinful  nation,  a  people  laden  with  iniquity,  a  seed 
of  evil-doers,  children  that  are  corrupters.  We  have 
forsaken  the  Lord,  and  have  provoked  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel.  And  chiefly,  now,  we  would  confess  our  cold- 
ness and  indifference  in  extending  the  blessings  of  that 


FOURTH   WEEK.  181 

glorious  Gospel  wliicli  thou  hast  entrusted  to  us.  How 
slothful  and  unconcerned  have  we  been  to  communicate 
to  others  the  privileges  -Nvhich  we  enjoy,  and  to  use  all 
the  means  which  thou  hast  given  unto  us  of  imparting 
the  knowledge  of  Christ  to  distant  lands !  To  us  belong 
shame  and  confusion  of  face,  because  we  have  sinned 
against  thee.  But  to  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies 
and  forgiveness,  though  we  have  rebelled  against  him. 

We  beseech  thee  give  us  a  zeal  for  thy  glory.  Foun- 
tain of  light,  and  life,  and  grace,  pour  upon  us  thy  quick- 
ening Spirit,  to  animate  and  excite  us  to  devote  ourselves 
to  thee.  Raise  up,  we  pray  thee,  those  who  shall  un- 
ceasingly pray,  and  give,  and  think,  and  labour,  for  the 
spread  of  thy  truth.  Revive  the  days  of  the  primitive 
church,  when  thy  people,  walking  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  were  multiplied. 

May  the  true  light  come  more  and  more  to  thy  church, 
and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  rise  upon  her;  and  may  the 
Gentiles  come  to  this  light,  and  kings  to  the  brightness 
of  thy  rising. 

Lord,  we  plead  the  glory  of  thy  great  name,  the  faith 
fulness  of  thy  promises,  and  the  happiness  of  thine  own 
creation ;  and  with  these  pleas,  we  ask,  that  the  heathen 
may  be  given  to  Christ  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  utter- 
most parts  of  the  earth  for  his  possession. 

0  Lord,  hast  thou  not  said,  "  It  shall  come  to  pass  in 
the  last  days  that  I  will  pour  out  of  my -spirit  upon  all 
flesh?"  Behold !  in  these  last  days  !  give  now  to  us  that 
ask.  With  thee  is  the  residue  of  the  Spirit ;  and  the 
Lord's  hand  is  not  shortened  that  it  cannot  save,  nor 
his  ear  heavy  that  it  cannot  hear. 

Have  respect  unto  the  Covenant,  for  the  dark  places 
of  the  earth  are  full  of  the  habitations  of  cruelty.  May 
the  Sun  of  righteousness  arise  with  healing  in  his  wings, 
on  those  people  now  sitting  in  darkness  and  the  shadow 
of  death. 

We  pray  thee  to  hasten  the  coming  of  that  time,  when 
it  shall  not  be  asked.  Who  hath  believed  our  report?  and 
to  whom  is  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?  but  it  shall  be 

Q 


182  FOURTH  WEEK. 

said,  The  Lord  hath  made  bare  his  holy  arm  in  the  sight 
of  all  nations,  and  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen 
the  salvation  of  our  God. 

And  grant,  gracious  Lord,  that  •while  the  fulness  of 
the  Gentiles  is  come  in,  all  Lsrael  may  also  be  saved, 
^lay  the  veil  which  remains  upon  their  hearts  "when 
Moses  is  read,  be  taken  away  by  their  turning  to  tho 
Lord.  May  this  branch,  which  has  so  long  been  broken 
off,  at  length  be  grafted  into  its  own  Olive-tree. 

0  let  the  Deliverer  come  out  of  Zion,  and  turn  away 
ungodliness  from  Jacob. 

And  while  we  thus  pray,  we  thank  thee,  good  an(^ 
gracious  Lord,  for  all  the  blessed  signs  of  the  times  in 
which  we  live.  We  bless  thee  for  the  beginning  of  a 
general  desire  to  spread  thy  truth  through  the  world, 
and  that  societies  have  been  raised  in  these  latter  days, 
among  all  denominations  of  thy  servants,  for  evangeliz- 
ing the  heathen,  and  for  their  conversion  from  dumb 
idols  to  the  living  God.  We  thank  thee  for  any  success 
given  to  these  efforts,  and  would  thereby  be  encouraged 
to  persevere  in  more  zealous  labours,  and  more  fervent 
prayers. 

*In  this  great  work,  0  Lord,  may  we,  as  a  family, 
partake.  Thou  hast  cast  our  lot  in  a  Christian  land,  and 
surrounded  us  with  Christian  enjoyments.  In  all  our 
comforts,  may  we  regard  thy  hand,  and  while  we  enjoy 
so  richly  the  light  of  thy  gospel,  may  we  remember  that 
there  are  millions  who  are  destitute.  Thou  hast  brought 
us  in  safety,  and  amid  many  blessings,  through  another 
day.  Thou  hast  caused  the  light  of  truth,  like  the  light 
of  the  sun,  to  shine  around  us,  and  our  dwelling.  Thou 
hast  encompassed  our  path ;  and  hast  given  to  us  mercies 
bestowed  on  few  of  the  human  family.  While  we  taste 
these  blessings,  and  while  avc  render  thee  praise  for  them, 
we  would  also  pray,  that  they  may  be  soon  enjoyed  by 
all  nations.  ]n  the  midst  of  a  Christian  land,  and  sur- 
rounded with  the  mercies  of  religion,  liberty,  education, 
and  peace,  wc  now  connnit  ourselves  to  thy  fatherly  pro-' 
tcction  through  the  dangers  of  this  night.    Preserve  us, 


FOURTH   WEEK.  183 

0  God,  WG  pray  thee,  from  all  harm,  and  Hess  those  who 
have  no  home,  no  pillow,  no  quiet  abode — those  that 
wander,  without  any  one  to  guide  them ;  those  that  are 
confined  in  prison,  with  no  one  to  comfort  them ;  those 
that  are  oppressed  and  in  bondage,  with  no  one  to  re- 
lieve ;  those  that  are  in  danger  by  land  or  by  sea,  and  no 
one  to  protect  them ;  those  that  are  sick,  with  none  to 
minister  to  them ;  and  those  that  are  dying,  with  no  one 
to  break  to  them  the  bread  of  life. — These  blessings,  for 
ourselves  and  our  fellow-creatures,  we  humbly  beg,  in 
the  name  of  that  merciful  lledeemer,  who,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  tasted  death  for  every  man ;  and  to  whom,  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honour  and  glory,  both  now 
and  forever.    Amen."^ 


SATURDAY  MORNING.     Bickersteth, 

*"VVe  appear  before  thee,  0  Lord,  our  most  merciful 
Father,  to  give  thee  thanks  for  preserving  mercy  through 
another  night.  To  thy  goodness  we  owe  it,  that  Ave4iave 
laid  us  down  and  slept,  for  thou  hast  sustained  us.  Our 
voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morning.  To  thee  would 
we  come,  and  to  thee  would  we  look,  0  thou  preserver 
of  men. 

Spared  by  thy  mercy,  we  enter  upon  the  duties  and 
dangers  of  another  day.  Our  bodies  and  souls — our 
life,  our  property,  our  health,  our  talents,  are  all  thine. 
Thou  hast  formed  us,  and  not  we  ourselves.  These 
bodice,  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made,  are  the  proofs 
of  thy  Avisdom  and  power.  Thou  art  the  Father  of  our 
spirits,  and  the  God  of  our  lives.  Thou  hast  redeemed 
us  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  thine  only  Son.  Thou  hast 
sent  down  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  renew  and  sanctify  our 
hearts.  And  to  thee,  and  thy  holy  service,  0  Lord  our 
God,  we  desire  now  unfeigncdly  and  entirely  to  devote 
our  lives.  Make  us  useful  to  our  fellow-creatures.  Open 
before  us  paths  of  benevolence,  and  dispose  us  to  walk 
therein.     May  our  time,  and  influence,  and  propeity, 


184  FOURTH  WEEK. 

and  all  that  vre  have  and  are,  be  consecrated  to  thy  holy 
service.  May  "sve  not  live  in  vain.  AVhen  \sc  die, 
"whether  it  be  this  day,  or  at  a  future  period,  may  we 
have  the  satisfaction  of  reflecting  that  we  have  been  en- 
abled by  thy  grace,  to  do  something  for  that  blessea 
cause,  in  behalf  of  which  thy  Son,  though  he  Avas  rich, 
yet  became  poor,  and  who  gave  himself  unto  death,  that 
he  might  save  a  lost  world.* 

Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord,  we  acknowledge  it  to  be  owing 
to  thy  infinite  mercy,  that  we  are  not  left  in  the  dark- 
ness of  heathen  lands.  Thou  didst  incline  thy  servants 
of  old  to  send  faithful  missionaries  to  preach  thy  glori- 
ous gospel ;  thou  didst  support  them  in  all  their  trials* 
and  difficulties,  and  at  length  this  favoured  country 
became  a  Christian  land.  And,  Lord,  how  hast  thou 
since  blessed  us  above  other  nations,  in  the  enjoyment 
of  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and  the  power  and  means  to 
communicate  it !  We  feel  that  our  privileges  imply  du- 
ties. Give  us  grace,  then,  to  labour,  that  the  Avord  of  ihe 
Lord  may  from  us  sound  out  in  ever}'  place.  We  thaidc 
thee  that  thou  hast  given  many  the  disposition  to  aid  in 
this  work,  and  that  numbers  of  thy  servants  are  united 
in  societies,  to  send  abroad  the  tidings  of  salvation. 
Lord,  bless  them  all.  Greatly  increase  the  number  of 
such  as  have  at  heart  the  good  of  Zion. 

We  thank  tliee,  0  Lord,  that  thy  hol}^  word  is  trans- 
lating into  numerous  dillerent  languages,  and  that  now 
so  many  nations  may  hear  in  their  own  tongues  the 
wonderful  works  of  God.  Give  yet  greater  success  to 
these  effortiii.  Facilitate  this  work  by  imparting,  more 
and  luore,  peculiar  talents  to  those  engaged  therein. 

Lord,  do  thou  prej)are  and  call  forth  labourers.  Qua- 
lify lit  instruments  to  conduct  missionary  efforts,  and 
give  them  faith,  wisdom,  and  judgment,  uprightness,  pa-* 
tience,  and  self-denial,  a  single  eye,  and  a  single  heart, 
in  all  their  proceedings.  So  incline  their  minds,  that 
they  nijiy  send  none  to  labour  among  the  heathen  but 
those  tliat  are  first  chosen  of  thee  :  men  anointed  with  the- 
Holy  Ghost.     Do  thou  raise  up  meek,  humble,  i);iiii'iit, 


FOURTH   WEEK.  185 

believing,  laborious,  and  persevering  men,  counting  tbeir 
word  their  wages,  and  looking  for  the  recompense  of  re- 
ward hereafter :  men  suited  to  the  exigencies  of  the 
heathen,  in  their  various  degrees  of  civilization  and  know- 
ledge, and  adapted  to  meet  their  wants  in  each  particular 
situation ;  men  willing  to  spend  themselves,  and  be  spent 
for  Christ.  Lord,  send  forth,  we  beseech  thee,  send 
forth  such  labourers. 

Regard,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  with  thy  infinite 
love,  those  who  have  gone  forth  in  thy  name  to  heathen 
lands,  to  labour  in  making  Christ  known  to  the  Gentiles. 
Help  them  to  be  followers  of  thy  Apostles.  Grant  that 
they  may  never  lose  that  first  love  and  ardour  of  mind 
which  induced  them,  for  Christ's  sake,  to  leave  country, 
home,  friends,  and  relatives.  Preserve  them  sound  in 
doctrine,  and  pure  in  their  life  and  conversation.  Li  the 
faith  of  Clirist  may  they  vanquish  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil,  and  overcome  apparently  insurmountable 
difficulties.  Give  unto  them  utterance,  that  they  may 
open  their  mouth  boldly,  to  make  known  the  mystery 
of  the  gospel.  Give  them  grace  to  hope  even  against 
hope ;  and  in  thy  own  good  time  remove  every  opposing 
obstacle  to  the  universal  diffusion  of  thy  truth.  Let  the 
course  of  thy  providence  prepare  the  way  for  thy  ser- 
vants. Let  every  fresh  advance,  either  in  commerce, 
science,  or  arts,  aid  the  coming  on  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom ;  all  things  work  together  for  good,  till  all  shall 
know  thee,  the  only  true  God,  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest. 

And  for  this  we  entreat  the  full  out-pouring  of  thy 
llol}^  Spirit  upon  all  flesh ;  upon  kings  of  the  earth  and 
all  people ;  upon  all  Christian  ministers ;  upon  princes, 
senators,  and  magistrates ;  young  men  and  maidens,  old 
men  and  children.  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  for  his  name  alone  is  excellent,  his  glory  is  above 
the  earth  and  heaven. 

0  Lord,  it  is  not  our  glory  we  seek,  but  thine.  We 
long,  Ave  ask,  we  pray,  that  thy  will  may  be  done  on 
earth  as  it  is  in  heaven;  that  all  nations  whom  thou  hast 

Q2 


186  FOURTH    WEEK. 

made  may  come  and  worship  before  thee,  anJ  glorify  thy 
name.  Lord,  thou  knowest  our  desires:  we  know  not 
how  to  express  them  as  we  shoukl.  Do  for  us  and  thy 
church  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or 
think,  for  thy  great  name's  sake. 

These  prayers  we  offer  up  in  the  name  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Oui'  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.    Bichersteth. 

0  God,  thou  art  the  God  of  all  the  families  of  the  earth ; 
for  they  are  formed  by  thy  will,  and  supported  by  thy 
providence.  But  thou  art,  in  a  peculiar  manner,  the  God 
of  those  families,  in  which  thy  name  is  known,  and  loved, 
and  honoured.  Thou  blessest  the  habitation  of  the  just. 
AVhatever  be  the  disposition  of  others,  we  desire  to  say, 
As  for  us,  and  our  house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord.  Thy 
yoke  is  easy,  thy  burden  is  light;  thy  work  is  honour- 
able and  glorious ;  and  in  keeping  thy  commandments, 
there  is  great  reward.  Thou  art  the  best  of  all  masters ; 
thou  hast  promised  to  bear  with  our  infirmities,  and  to 
suffer  us  to  want  no  good  thing. 

Already  thou  hast  laid  us  under  infinite  obligations, 
as  the  God  of  providence  and  of  grace;  thou  hast  dealt 
well  with  thy  servants,  0  Lord.  Bless  the  Lord,  0  our 
souls,  and  all  that  is  within  us,  bless  his  holy  name.  Bless 
the  Lord,  0  our  souls,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits. 

By  thy  good  hand  upon  us,  we  have  been  conducted 
through  the  ])orils,  n<»t  only  of  another  day,  but  another 
week;  a  j^eriod,  during  which  many  have  been  carried 
down  to  their  graves,  and  we  have  been  brought  so  much 
nearer  to  our  own.  Impress  us  with  the  lapse  of  our 
time,  and  so  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Many  have  been  in- 
volved in  per))lexities,  and  exposed  to  want;  many  luive 
been  confined  to  the  house  of  mourning,  or  the  bed  of 
sickness;  but  we  have  been  indulged  with  liberty,  and 


FOURTH   W"i5EK.  187 

ease,  and  health,  and  strength ;  -wc  hare  seen  thy  loving- 
kindness  every  morning,  and  thy  faithfulness  every 
night;  and  have  had  all  things  richly  to  enjoy. 

But,  0  how  little  have  we  been  affected  by  the  in- 
stances of  thy  undeserved  goodness ;  how  imperfectly 
have  we  improved  our  religious  privileges ;  how  negli- 
gent have  we  been  in  seizing  opportunities  of  doing 
good  to  the  bodies  and  souls  of  our  fellow-creatures— 
and  how  well  does  it  become  each  of  us  to  exclaim.  Be- 
hold, I  am  vile ;  what  shall  I  answer  thee  ?  wherefore  I 
abhor  myself,  repenting  in  dust  and  ashes. 

We  appear  before  thee,  this  evening,  in  our  trespass ; 
enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  servants,  0  Lord.  Our 
only  hope  is,  that  to  the  Lord  our  God  belong  mercies 
and  forgiveness,  though  we  have  rebelled  against  him. 
Have  mercy  upon  us,  0  God,  according  to  thy  loving- 
kindness,  according  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mer- 
cies, blot  out  our  transgressions. 

And  may  a  confidence  in  thy  goodness,  instead  of  en- 
couraging us  to  sin,  that  grace  may  abound,  inspire  us 
with  that  godly  sorrow  which  worketh  repentance  unto 
life.  May  we  hate  and  forsake  every  false  way.  May 
we  be  attentive  to  our  condition,  and  study  our  charac- 
ter ;  may  we  bridle  our  tongue,  and  keep  our  heart  with 
all  dilifjence. 

May  we  often  look  back  and  see,  how  at  any  time  we 
have  been  ensnared  or  overcome ;  and  watch  and  pray 
in  future,  lest  we  enter  into  temptation.  And  do  thou 
keep  us  by  thy  power;  uphold  us  by  thy  free  Spirit; 
und  not  only  restrain  us  from  sin,  but  mortify  us  to  it. 

May  sleep  refresh  our  bodies,  and  fit  them  for  thy 
service  on  the  ensuing  day ;  and  may  thy  grace  prepare 
our  minds.  May  we  leave  all  the  cares  of  the  world  for 
awhile,  behind ;  that  we  may  attend  on  the  Lord  without 
distraction.  May  we  repair  to  the  hallowed  exercises 
of  devotion,  as  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks. 
May  we  call  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  and  be  glad  when 
they  say  to  us,  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

And,  0  thou  God  of  all  grace,  do  as  thou  hast  said; 


188  FIFTH   WEEK. 

fulfil  tliy  word  unto  thy  servants,  upon  which  thou  hast 
caused  them  to  hope.  Bless  abundantly  the  provisions 
of  thy  house,  and  satisfy  thy  poor  Avith  bread.  Clothe 
thy  priests  with  salvation,  and  let  thy  saints  shout  aloud 
for  joy. 

And  to  the  God  of  all  grace,  the  Father,  the  "Word, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honoui'  and  glory,  both  now 
and  for  ever.  Amen. 


FIFTH  VTEEK 


SABBATH  MORNING.  CotteriU. 

0  TilOU,  Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  who  hast  set  apart  this 
day  for  thyself,  and  hast  commanded  us  to  keep  it  holy 
to  thy  name,  look  down  upon  a  family  of  sinful  creatures 
who  are  assembled  together  to  acknowledge  thy  good- 
ness in  bringing  us  to  see  it. 

We  adore  thee  for  thy  patience  and  forbearance  in  not 
dealing  Avith  us  according  to  our  deserts,  nor  rewarding 
us  according  to  our  iniquities.  And  we  beseech  thee  to 
pour  down  upon  us  the  abundance  of  thy  grace,  that  we 
may  rest  this  day  according  to  thy  commandment.  Let 
not  thy  sabbath  be  a  weariness  to  us,  but  our  delight. 
Let  us  honour  thee,  by  not  doing  our  own  ways,  nor  find- 
ing our  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking  our  own  words. 

Bless  us,  0  Lord,  with  all  sj)iritual  blessings  in  Christ 
Jesus:  bless  us,  we  pray  thee,  in  turning  away  every  one 
of  us  from  our  iniquities.  "Wash  us  in  the  fountain  of 
that  blood  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Clothe  us  with 
the  robe  of  that  righteousness,  which  is,  by  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ,  unto  all  and  upon  all  them  that  believe. 

I'rcpare  us  for  the  various  duties  which  arc  now  be- 
fore us. 

Sanctify  unto  us  thy  appointed  means  of  grace.     Send 


FIFTH   WEEK.  189 

out  thy  light  and  thy  trutli ;  let  them  lead  us ;  let  them 
bring  us  to  thy  holy  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacle.  May  -we 
go  with  the  multitude  to  thy  house  of  prayer,  with  the 
voice  of  joy  and  praise,  with  the  multitude  that  keep 
holy-day.  There  may  we  give  thee  the  glory  which  is 
due  unto  thy  name,  and  worship  thee  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness.  May  we  see  thy  power  and  thy  glory,  so  as 
thy  servants  sec  them  in  the  sanctuary  ;  and  be  satisfied 
with  the  goodness  of  thy  house,  even  of  thy  holy  temple. 

Grant,  0  Lord,  that  the  Scriptures,  which  thou  hast 
caused  to  be  written  for  our  learning,  may  be  applied  to 
our  hearts  in  the  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  of 
power.  May  we  in  such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark, 
learn,  and  inwardly  digest  them,  that  we  may  embrace, 
and  ever  hold  fast  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life, 
through  a  crucified  Redeemer. 

Hear  our  prayers,  0  God,  for  all  Christian  ministers ; 
[especially  for  Inm  whom  thou  hast  appointed  over  us ;] 
and  endue  them  with  the  grace  of  thy  Iloly  Spirit.  Give 
unto  them  the  spirit  of  love,  and  of  power,  and  of  a  sound 
mind.  Make  them  able  ministers  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, faithful  stewards  of  thy  mysteries.  Help  them  to 
take  heed  to  themselves  and  to  the  doctrine ;  that  so, 
according  to  thy  promise,  they  may  both  save  themselves 
and  those  who  hear  them. 

We  beseech  thee  to  inspire  continually  the  Universal 
Church  with  the  spirit  of  truth,  unity,  and  concord ;  and 
grant  that  all  they  who  do  confess  thy  name,  may  agree 
in  the  truth  of  thy  holy  word,  and  live  in  unity  and  godly 
love.  May  numbers  be  added  to  it,  every  Sabbath  day, 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved. 

Look  in  mercy  upon  such  as  have  hitherto  neglected 
thy  Sabbaths.  Teach  them  to  improve  those  that  re- 
main ;  and  so  to  redeem  the  time  which  they  have  lost, 
that  they  may  be  numbered  among  thy  true  people. 

Remember  for  good  as  many  as,  through  sickness,  or 
any  other  impediment,  may  be  prevented  from  attending 
the  ordinances  of  thy  house,  and  the  habitation  which 
their  soul  loveth.     Let  thy  presence  be  with  them  in 


100  FIFTH   WEEK. 

their  private  meditations,  even  as  with  tliose  who  shall  as- 
Bcmble  to<^ethcr  in  the  place  where  thy  honour  dwelleth. 

We  pray  thee,  also,  to  have  compassion  upon  those 
"who  as  yet  belong  not  to  thy  visible  Church. 

0  Thou  who  art  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the 
glory  of  thy  people  Israel,  shine  upon  the  nations  which 
are  sitting  in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of  death. 

Give,  O  Lord,  the  word,  that  great  may  be  the  com- 
pany of  the  preachers,  who  shall  go  forth  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature.  Let 
nation  after  nation  be  converted  to  the  Christian  faith, 
till  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ,  and  the  earth  be  filled 
with  the  knowledge  of  thy  glory,  as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea. 

Hear,  we  beseech  thee,  0  heavenly  Father,  these  our 
imperfect  petitions ;  and  answer  them  in  the  multitude  of 
thy  tender  mercies,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only 
Lord  and  Saviour ;  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory,  world  without  end. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SABBATH  EVENING.  Cotterill. 

0  God,  whose  nature  and  property  is  ever  to  have 
mercy,  and  to  forgive,  receive  our  humble  petitions ;  and 
though  we  be  tied  and  bound  with  the  chain  of  our  sins, 
yet  let  the  pitifulness  of  thy  great  mercy  loose  us,  for  the 
honour  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

0  Lord,  the  only  begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ ;  0  Lord 
God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son  of  the  Father,  that  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou  that 
takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Thou  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the  world,  receive  our 
irayer.  Tliou  that  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
<'ather,  have  mercy  upon  us.  For  thou  only  art  holy : 
thou  only  art  the  Lord:  thou  only,  0  Christ,  with  tho 


\ 


FIFTH  WEEK.  191 

Holy  Ghost,  art  most  high  in  the  giory  of  God  tho 
Father. 

And  as  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  to  forgive  us  all  our 
sins,  negligences,  and  ignorances,  (particularly  those  of 
the  past  day,)  so  may  it  please  thee  to  give  us  true  re- 
pentance ;  and  to  endue  us  with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  amend  our  lives  according  to  thy  holy  word. 

0  Thou,  from  whom  all  good  things  do  come,  grant  to 
us,  thy  humble  servants,  that,  by  thy  holy  inspiration, 
we  may  think  those  things  that  be  good,  and  by  thy 
merciful  guiding,  may  perform  the  same. 

Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  our  hearty  thanks 
for  the  means  of  grace  which  have  been  vouchsafed  U3 
this  day ;  and  for  every  blessing  which  thou  hast  be- 
stowed upon  us. 

To  thee  be  ascribed  all  the  good  which  we  have  received 
ourselves,  and  all  which  has  been  wrought  in  others. 

We  bless  thee  in  behalf  of  those  who  may  have  been 
turned  from  their  evil  ways,  or  who  have  been  comforted, 
instructed,  and  in  any  way  edified,  in  thy  house  of 
prayer. 

For  these,  and  all  thy  other  mercies,  our  souls  do 
magnify  thy  glorious  name,  which  is  exalted  above  all 
blessing  and  praise. 

We  further  beseech  thee,  0  Father  Almighty,  to  open 
the  ears  of  thy  compassion  to  our  supplications  for  others. 

Mercifully  look  upon  the  Universal  Church  which  thou 
hast  purchased  to  thyself  with  the  precious  blood  of  thy 
dear  Son. 

And  to  those  that  shall  be  ordained  to  any  holy  func- 
tion, give  thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction;  that, 
both  by  their  life  and  doctrine,  they  may  set  forth  thy 
glory,  and  set  forward  the  salvation  of  all  men. 

Bless  the  words  which  have  been  spoken  in  thy  name 
this  day;  and  let  them  not  prove  to  any  the  savour  of 
death  unto  death,  but  of  life  unto  life,  to  all  Avho  have 
heard  them. 

Bo  gracious  unto  thy  servants  who  have  met  together 
with  us  in  thy  courts:  and  grant  that  as  many  as  aro 


192  FIFTH  WEEK. 

planted  into  this  house  of  the  Lord,  may  flourish  in  the 
courts  of  the  house  of  our  God. 

Have  mercy  on  those  hy  whom  the  day  of  rest  has 
been  disregarded.  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know 
not  what  they  do. 

Be  favourable,  also,  unto  those  Avho  have  been  kept  by 
sickness,  or  any  other  necessity,  from  joining  the  pul)lic 
assemblies  of  thy  Church.  l)o  thou,  Almighty  Lord, 
who  art  a  most  strong  tower  unto  them  that  put  their 
trust  in  thee,  to  whom  all  things  in  heaven,  and  in  earth, 
and  under  the  earth,  do  bow  and  obey ;  be  now  and  ever- 
more their  defence,  and  make  them  to  knoAV  and  to  fee) 
that  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven  given  to  man, 
in  whom  and  through  whom,  they  may  receive  health  and 
salvation,  but  only  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

We  give  thee  hearty  thanks,  likewise,  for  such  of  them 
as  it  may  have  pleased  tbee  this  day  to  deliver  out  of  the 
miseries  of  this  sinful  world ;  beseeching  thee,  that  it  may 
also  please  thee,  of  thy  gracious  goodness,  shortly  to  ac- 
complish the  number  of  thy  elect,  and  to  hasten  thy  king- 
dom ;  that  we,  with  all  those  that  are  departed  in  the  true 
faith  of  thy  holy  name,  may  have  our  perfect  consumma- 
tion and  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  thy  eternal  and 
everlasting  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord ;  in 
whose  name  we  ofl'er  up  these  our  prayers ;  and  con- 
clude them  in  the  wOrds  which  he  himself  has  taught  ua 
to  use. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  MORNING.  H.  More. 

Almkihtv  and  most  merciful  Father  !  thou  art  a  God 
that  heapest  prayer  ;  and  we  are  encouraged  to  draAv  nigh 
unto  thy  throne  of  grace,  most  humbly  beseeching  thee 
to  look  upon  us,  according  to  thy  tender  mercy  in  Jesus 
Christ.  We  confess  our  daily  offences  against  thee  in 
thought,  word,  and  deed.  If  tliou  shouldst  be  extreme 
to  mark  what  is  done  amiss,  0  Lord,  who  might  abide 


FIITH   WEEK.  193 

it  I  Deal  not  with  us  after  our  sins,  neither  reward  U3 
after  our  iniquities.  We  bless  thee  for  that  all-prevail, 
ing  Advocate,  Jesus  Christ,  the  righteous ;  by  his  cross 
and  intercession,  good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

We  are  now  about  to  enter  upon  the  worldly  employ- 
ments of  another  week:  strengthen  us  with  thy  grace 
that  these  may  not  withdraw  our  hearts  from  thee,  nor 
make  us  negligent  of  our  souls,  and  our  salvation.  May 
tlie  influences  of  the  Sabbath  rest  upon  us  through  the 
week,  and  may  the  solemn  and  blessed  truths  which  we 
heard  yesterday,  in  the  house  of  prayer,  abide  in  our 
memories,  and  direct  our  conduct ! 

^  With  many  thanks  for  thy  mercies  during  the  past 
night,  we  now  cast  ourselves  upon  thy  protection,  not 
knowing  what  this  day  may  bring  forth  ;  but  trusting  in 
that  wisclom  which  cannot  err,  and  in  that  love  which 
cannot  ^il ;  do  thou  appoint  our  lot  as  seemeth  good  to 
both.  Father,  not  our  will,  but  thine  be  done  '  Pre- 
serve us  from  temptation ;  preserve  us  from  sin ;  pre- 
serve us  from  our  own  evil  hearts ;  and  if  we  are  per- 
mitted to  see  the  close  of  this  day,  let  us  look  back  upon 
It  as  one  in  which  we  have  walked  with  God. 

Preserve  us  from  the  power  of  evil ;  from  the  sin  that 
doth  so  easily  beset  us;  from  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  and 
the  vanities  of  a  wicked  world. 

Send  thy  good  Spirit  to  direct  and  guide  us  in  the 
ways  and  works  of  godliness;   purify  our  aff-ections: 
enhven  our  devotion ;  teach  us  how  to  pray,  and  how  to 
hear,  and  read,  and  profit  by  thy  holy  word.     Make  us 
Christians,  not  only  in  name,  but  also  in  heart  and  in 
hope.     leach  us  the  value  of  our  souls,  and  the  salva- 
tion which  has  been  wrought  for  them  by  Christ  Jesus. 
IMay  we  never  be  ashamed  of  confessing  him  before 
men,  but,  amidst  all  discouragements  and  difficulties 
give  us  boldness  to  show  ourselves  his  true  disciples.     ' 
Let  our  conversation  be  such  as  becometh  his  gospel  • 
and  whatsoever  we  do  in  word  or  in  deed,  let  us  do  all  in 
bi8  name,  giving  thanks  to  God  and  the  Father  through 
him.     And  let  the  words  of  our  mouths,  and  the  medi^ 
**  R 


194  FIFTH  WEEK. 

tioiis  of  our  hearts  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lor'i, 
our  strength,  and  om*  Redeemer. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


MONDAY  EVENING.  E.  More. 

0  Lord  God  Almighty,  -we  bless  thee  for  all  the  mer 
cies  of  the  past  day,  and  we  pray  thee  now  to  take  ua 
under  thy  care,  and  to  deliver  us  from  all  the  perils 
and  dangers  of  this  night.  Preserve  us,  0  Lord,  both 
in  body  and  soul,  from  every  evil,  and  keep  us  from  all 
sinful  thoughts  when  we  ?re  about  to  close  our  eyes  in 
sleep. 

And  pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  all  our  offences,  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ.  We  confess,  0  Lord,  that  we 
have  this  day  left  undone  many  things  which  we  ought 
to  have  done,  and  done  many  things  which  we  ought 
not  to  have  done.  Pardon  all  our  pride  and  vanity,  our 
idleness  and  self-indulgence,  our  impatience,  fretfulncss, 
and  discontent.  Pardon,  0  Lord,  all  the  rash  and 
angry  words  which  we  have  this  day  spoken,  and  all 
the  sinful  thoughts  which  have  arisen  up  in  our  minds, 
and  which  we  have  not  been  careful  to  resist.  And 
especially,  we  pray  thee,  to  pardon  our  forgetfulness  of 
thee,  our  God,  and  our  want  of  gratitude  and  love  to 
Jesus  Christ.  For  these,  and  all  our  other  sins,  which, 
from  time  to  time,  we  have  committed,  we  here  implore 
thy  pardon  and  forgivec^ss,  in  the  name  of  our  most 
merciful  Saviour. 

And  since  we  know  that  our  life  is  so  short  and  uncer- 
tain, help  us,  day  by  day,  to  think  of  our  latter  end.  0 
Lord,  grant  us  grace  so  to  live  that  we  be  not  afraid  to 
die;  and  do  thou  receive  our  souls  at  last  into  thine  eter- 
nal kingdom. 

Enable  us  this  night  to  sliakc  off  all  worldly  cares  and 
desires,  and  to  meditate  upon  thee;  lot  thy  Holy  Spirit 
be  present  with  us,  to  purify  our  hearts,  and  to  bring 


FIFTH  WEEK.  195 

6efore  us  the  things  which  concern  our  peace,  and  to 
inspire  us  with  godly  resolutions. 

Above  all  things,  make  us  rightly  to  understand  thine 
infinite  mercy  in  the  redemption  of  mankind  by  Jesua 
Christ,  and  diligently  to  avail  ourselves  of  all  our  privi- 
leges, as  his  disciples,  and  thy  children  by  adoption  and 
grace. 

0  heavenly  Father,  we  commit  ourselves  to  thy  holy 
keeping  this  night,  and  desire  to  rest  securely  under 
the  shadow  of  thy  protection.  Defend  us  from  all  perils 
and  dangers,  and  especially  from  those  which  may  as- 
sault and  hurt  the  soul.  Prepare  us,  by  comfortable 
repose,  for  the  duties  of  the  morrow  ;  and  grant  that  we 
may  rise  disposed  and  strengthened  for  thy  service,  as 
I'.uthful  and  diligent  disciples  of  thy  blessed  Son;  in 
(vhose  words  we  further  pray : 

Our  Father,  &;c. 


TUESDAY  MORNING.   Com.  Prayer, 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name;  thy  kingdom  come;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread ;  and 
forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who  tres- 
pass against  us;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  in  whom  we  live,  and 
move,  and  have  our  being;  we,  thy  needy  creatures, 
render  thee  our  humble  praises  for  thy  preservation  of  us 
from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this  day,  and  especially 
for  having  delivered  us  from  the  dangers  of  the  past 
night.  To  thy  watchful  providence  we  owe  it,  that  no 
disturbance  hath  come  nigh  us  or  our  dwelling,  but  that 
we  are  brought  in  safety  to  the  beginning  of  this  day. 
For  these  thy  mercies,  we  bless  and  magnify  thy  glorious 
name;  humbly  beseeching  thee  to  accept  this  our  morn- 


196  FIFTH    WKKK. 

ing  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  for  his  sake 
who  lay  clown  in  the  grave,  and  rose  again  for  us,  thy 
Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

And  since  it  is  of  thy  mercy,  0  gracious  Father,  that 
another  day  is  added  to  our  lives,  -vve  here  dedicate  both 
our  souls  and  our  bodies  to  thee  and  thy  service,  in  u 
Bober,  righteous,  and  godly  life ;  in  -which  resolution,  do 
thou,  0  merciful  God,  confirm  and  strengthen  us;  that, 
as  we  grow  in  age,  we  may  grow  in  grace,  and  in  the 
knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

But  0  God,  Avho  knowest  the  weakness  and  corrup- 
tion of  our  nature,  and  tho  manifold  temptations  which 
we  daily  meet  with ;  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  have 
compassion  on  our  infirmities,  and  to  give  us  the  constant 
assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit;  that  we  may  be  efi"ectually 
restrained  from  sin,  and  excited  to  our  duty.  Imprint 
upon  our  hearts  such  a  dread  of  thy  judgments,  and  such 
a  grateful  sense  of  thy  goodness  to  us,  as  may  make  us 
both  afraid  and  ashamed  to  offend  thee.  And,  above  all, 
keep  in  our  minds  a  lively  remembrance  of  that  great  day, 
in  which  we  must  give  a  strict  account  of  our  thoughts, 
words,  and  actions ;  and,  according  to  the  works  dune  in 
the  body,  be  eternally  rewarded  or"  punished,  by  him 
whom  thou  hast  appointed  the  judge  of  quick  and  dead, 
thy,  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

In  particular,  we  implore  thy  grace  and  protection  for 
the  ensuing  day.  Keep  us  temperate  in  our  meats  and 
drinks,  and  diligent  in  our  several  callings.  Grant  us 
patience  under  any  alflictions  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  lay  on 
us,  and  minds  always  contented  with  our  present  con<li- 
tion.  Give  us  grace  to  be  just  and  upright  in  all  our 
dealings;  quiet  and  peaceable;  full  of  compassion ;  and 
ready  to  do  good  to  all  men  according  to  our  abilities  and 
opportunities.  Direct  us  in  all  our  Avays,  and  prosper  the 
works  of  our  hands  in  the  business  of  our  several  stations. 
Defend  us  from  all  dangers  and  adversities ;  and  be  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  take  us,  and  all  things  belongJng  to  us, 
under  thy  fatherly  care  and  protection.  These  things, 
and  whatever  else  thou  shalt  see  necessary  and  convenient 


FIFTH    WEEK.  ig'j 

to  US,  we  humbly  beg  through  the  merits  and  mediation 
tf y  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Ihe  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 

God,  and  the  fe  lowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us 

all  evermore.     A7nen. 


TUESDAY  EVENING.  Com.  Prater 
Our  FATnER  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name;  thy  kingdom  come;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  It  IS  in  heaven  ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and 
torgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  who  tres- 
pass  against  us;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 

Most  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold iniquity,  and  hast  promised  forgiveness  to  all  those 
^vho  confess  and  forsake  their  sins  ;  we  come  before  thee 
m  an  humble  sense  of  our  own  unworthiness,  acknow! 
htr^pT  O        "^^  transgressions  of  thy  righteous 

death  of  a  smncr,  look  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
mercy,  and  forgive  us  all  our  transgressions.  Make  us 
deeply  sensible  of  the  great  evil  of  them  ;  and  work  h 
us  an  hearty  contrition  ;  that  we  may  obtain  forgiveness 
at  thy  hands,  who  art  ever  ready  to  receive  humble  and 
penitent  sinners;  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  only  Saviour  and  Redeemer.  ' 

And  lest,  through  our  own  frailty,  or  the  temptations 
winch  encompass  us,  we  be  drawn  again  into  sinf  vouch- 

fthv  Holv's"-".'  '^Tf^  *'^  'r'''^''  -^  -^i™-e 
ot  thy  Holy  Spirit.     Reform  whatever  is  amiss  in  the 

^^Xt^LfTfr  ''  ^"■•^°^^^'  ^^-*  -  -'lean 
est  fl  o  ;      P  '^''^^f''  ''  inordinate  desires,  may 

rest  theie.     Purge  our  hearts  from  envy,  hatred   and 
mahee;  that  we  may  never  suffer  the  sun  to  gfC^ 
upon  our  wi-ath  ;  but  may  always  go  to  our  rest  fn*  peace 
Chanty,  and  good-will,  with  a  conscience  void  of  oE 


198  FIFTH    WEEK. 

towards  thee  atnl  towards  men ;  tliat  po  we  may  be  pre- 
served, pure  and  blameless,  until  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

And  accept,  0  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all  man- 
kind. Let  the  light  of  thy  gospel  shine  upon  all  nations ; 
and  may  as  many  as  have  received  it,  live  as  becomes 
*t.  Be  gracious  unto  thy  church  ;  and  grant  that  every 
member  of  the  same,  in  his  vocation  and  ministry,  may 
Berve  thee  faithfully.  Bless  all  in  authority  over  us ; 
and  so  rule  their  hearts,  and  strengthen  their  hands, 
that  they  may  punish  wickedness  and  vice,  and  main- 
tain thy  true  religion  and  virtue.  Send  down  thy 
blessings,  temporal  and  spiritual,  upon  all  our  relations, 
friends,  and  neighbours.  Reward  all  who  have  done  us 
good,  and  pardon  all  those  who  have  done  or  wish  us 
evil,  and  give  them  repentance  and  better  minds.  Be 
merciful  to  all  Avho  are  in  any  trouble ;  and  do  thou, 
the  God  of  pity,  administer  to  them  according  to  their 
several  necessities,  for  his  sake  who  went  about  doing 
good,  thy  Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

To  our  prayers,  0  Lord,  we  join  our  unfeigned  thanks 
for  all  thy  mercies ;  for  our  being,  our  reason,  and  all 
other  endowments  and  faculties  of  soul  and  body  ;  for 
our  health,  friends,  food  and  raiment,  and  all  the  other 
comforts  and  conveniences  of  life.  Above  all,  we  adore 
thy  mercy  in  sending  thy  only  Son  into  the  world  to 
redeem  us  from  sin  and  eternal  death,  and  in  giving  us 
the  knowledge  and  sense  of  our  duty  towards  thee.  We 
bless  thee  f(jr  thy  patience  with  us,  notwithstanding  our 
many  and  great  j)rovo<;ations  ;  for  all  the  directions,  as- 
sistances, and  comfiuts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  for  thy  con- 
tinual care  and  watchful  providence  over  us  through 
the  whole  course  of  our  lives ;  and  particularly  fur  the 
mercies  and  l)enefits  of  the  past  day  ;  beseeching  thee 
to  continue  these  thy  blessings  to  us ;  and  give  to  us 
grace  to  show  our  thankfulness  in  a  sincere  ()l)edience 
to  his  laws,  through  whose  merits  and  intercession  wc 
received  them  all,  thy  Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

In  particular,  we  beseech  thee  to  continue  thy  gracious 


FIFTH  WEEK.  199 

prelection  to  us  this  night.  Defend  us  from  all  dangers 
and  mischiefs,  and  from  the  fear  of  them  ;  that  we  may 
enjoy  such  refreshing  sleep  as  may  fit  us  for  the  duties 
of  the  following  day.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of  the  time 
•when  we  shall  lie  down  in  the  dust ;  and  grant  us  grace 
always  to  live  in  such  a  state,  that  we  may  never  be  afraid 
to  die  :  so  that  living  and  dying  we  may  be  thine,  through 
the  merits  and  satisfaction  of  thy  Son,  Christ  Jesus,  in 
whose  name  we  offer  up  these  our  imperfect  prayers. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us 
all  evermore.    Amen. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING.       Cotterill. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we  have  erred 
and  strayed  from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep.  We  have 
followed  too  much  the  devices  and  desires  of  our  own 
hearts.  We  have  offended  against  thy  holy  laws.  AYe 
have  left  undone  those  things  which  we  ought  to  have 
done;  and  we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought 
not  to  have  done ;  and  there  is  no  health  in  us.  But  thou, 
0  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare 
thou  them,  0  God,  which  confess  their  fiiults.  Restore 
thou  them  that  are  penitent;  according  to  thy  promises 
declared  unto  mankind,  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

And  grant,  0  most  merciful  Father,  for  his  sake,  that 
we  may  hereafter  live  a  godh^,  righteous,  and  sober  life, 
to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name. 

Help  us,  especially,  so  to  live  through  the  day  upon 
which  we  have  entered. 

Bless  us  in  all  our  ways  ;  and,  whatever  we  do,  may  we 
do  it  heartily  as  unto  thee,  with  a  single  eye  to  thy  glorv, 
and  a  humble  dependence  on  thy  fatherly  protection." 

Enlighten  our  understanding;  control  our  wills;  and 
sanctify  our  affections.  Preserve  us,  that  neither  the 
pleasures,  nor  the  cares,  nor  the  honours  of  this  life,  turn 
away  our  thoughts  from  the  life  which  is  to  come.    May 


200  FIFTH  WEEK. 

■we  learn  and  labour  daily  to  live  above  the  world;  and 
to  fo-low  all  our  occupations  in  it  with  a  heavenly  mind. 

Enable  us  faithfully  to  discharge  our  several  duties  to 
thee  and  to  our  fellow-creatures ;  that  we  may  be  useful 
in  our  generation  among  men,  and  steadfast  in  our  co- 
venant with  thee.  Having  had  much  forgiven  of  thee, 
may  we  love  thee  much,  and  strive  to  please  thee  in  all 
our  ways. 

And  grant  that  nothing  may  ever  separate  between  us 
and  thee,  by  causing  us  to  grow  weary  of  thy  service. 
But  may  we  keep  thy  covenant  for  ever ;  and  think  upon 
thy  commandments  to  do  them,  finding  thy  yoke  easy, 
and  thy  burden  light;  yea,  accounting  thy  service  per- 
fect freedom,  and  the  very  joy  of  our  heart. 

Lord,  we  pray  thee  that  thy  grace  may  always  attend 
IS,  and  make  us  continually  to  be  given  to  all  good  works. 

We  desire  to  offer  up  our  unfeigned  thanksgivings  for 
the  good  which  thou  mayest  already  have  wrought  in  us, 
and  for  every  mercy  which  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  our 
bodies  and  our  souls.  Day  by  day  we  give  thanks  unto 
thee,  and  praise  thy  name. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth  peace,  good 
will  towards  men.  "We  praise  thee,  we  bless  thee,  we 
worship  thee,  we  glorify  thee,  we  give  thanks  unto  thee, 
for  thy  great  glory,  0  Lord  God,  heavenly  king,  God 
the  Father  Almighty. 

AVe  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  to  embrace  with  the  arms 
of  thy  mercy,  not  only  ourselves,  but  all  Avho  partake  of 
our  fallen  nature.  Pity  and  convert  the  wicked.  May 
they  no  longer  make  a  mock  at  sin,  but  learn  to  tremble  at 
that  wrath  which  thou  hast  revealed  against  all  ungodli- 
ness and  unrighteousness  of  men,  fearing  thee  who  art  able 
to  destroy  ])oth  bculy  and  soul  in  hell.  Give  them  grace 
to  stand  in  awe  of  thy  judgments,  and  to  sin  no  more. 

Bless  thy  faithful  people  with  knowledge  and  good 
understanding  in  the  ways  of  godliness  :  and  let  not  the 
children  of  this  world  be  wiser  in  their  generation  than 
the  children  of  light. 

And  since  many  arc  the  afllictious  of  the  righteous, 


riFTH    W^EEK.  OQI 

Lord,  remember  them,  and  all  their  troubles :  yea,  may 
they  be  had  before  thee  in  everlasting  remembrance. 
-Though  troubled  on  every  side,  let  them  not  he  dis- 
tressed; though  perplexed,  let  them  not  be  in  despair- 
though  persecuted,  let  them  not  be  forsaken;  though 
cast  down,  let  them  not  be  destroyed.  In  all  their  Af- 
flictions be  thou  afllicted ;  and  let  the  angel  of  thy  pre- 
sence save  them.  In  thy  love,  and  in  thy  pity,  do  thou 
redeem  them  ;  and  bear  them,  and  carry  them,  as  in  the 
days  of  old. 

^  Grant  that  every  affliction,  though  not  for  the  present 
joyous,  but  grievous,  may  yield  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness  to  such  as  are  exercised  thereby. 

And  do  thou  bring  them,  at  the  last,  to  that  place  of 
rest  and  peace,  where  thou  wilt  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  faces;  where  there  shall  be  no  more  sorrow  nor 
crynig;  neither  shall  there  be  any  more  pain;  and  the 
former  things  shall  pass  away. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  0  Lord,  in  these  our  supplications 
and  prayers ;  and  dispose  the  way  of  thy  servants  to- 
wards the  attainment  of  everlasting  salvation;  that 
among  all  the  changes  and  chances  of  this  mortal  life' 
we  may  ever  be  defended  by  thy  most  gracious  and  ready 
help,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Our  Father,  &c. 


WEDNESDAY  EVENING.       Cotterill. 
_  0  Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  from  one  genera- 
tion to  another.     Before  the  mountains  were  brought 
torth,  or  ever  the  earth  and  the  worlds  were  made  thou 
art  God  from  everlasting,  and  world  without  end  ' 

Upon  thy  mercy-seat  in  the  heavens  thou  waitest  to 
be  gracious;  and  we,  thy  sinful  creatures,  draw  nigh 
unto  thee,  as  unto  a  God  in  Christ,  reconciling  the  wodd  - 
unto  thyself,  not  imptiting  their  trespasses  unto  them 

A\  e  trust,  0  Lord,  to  the  word  of  thy  promise,  that 
though  we  have  sinned,  we  have  an  Advocate  with  thee 
9  *  ' 


202  FIFTH   WEEK. 

Jesus  Christ  tlie  righteous,  who  is  the  propitiation  for 
our  sins ;  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  for  the  sins  of  tho 
whole  "vvorld. 

If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves, 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  us ;  but  if  we  confess  our  sins, 
thou  art  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to 
cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness. 

We  pray  thee,  therefore,  to  create  and  make  in  us 
new  and  contrite  hearts ;  that  we,  worthily  lamenting 
our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness,  may  ob- 
tain of  thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect  remission  and 
forgiveness.  Regard  us  no  longer  as  children  of  wrath, 
but  as  dear  children;  heirs  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven, 
and  joint-heirs  with  Christ.  Satisfy  us  with  thy  mercy, 
and  that  soon,  that  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee 
all  our  days. 

Grant  us,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy  glory,  to  be 
strengthened  Avith  might,  by  thy  Spirit,  in  the  inner 
man.  Lot  Christ  dwell  in  our  hearts  by  faith,  that  being 
rooted  and  grounded  in  love  we  may  be  able  to  compre- 
hend, with  all  saints,  what  is  the  breadth,  and  length, 
and  depth,  and  height,  and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ, 
•which  passeth  knowledge,  that  we  may  be  filled  with  all 
the  fullness  of  thee  our  God. 

Tbou  hast  brought  and  defended  us,  0  heavenly 
Father,  through  the  dangers  of  another  day;  and  hast 
blessed  us  with  every  needful  blessing,  in  our  going  out 
and  coming  in. 

But,  we  beseech  thee,  0  God  of  tho  spirits  of  all  flesh, 
in  whom  alone  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being, 
to  touch  our  hearts  Avith  the  solemn  and  afteeting  truth, 
that  we  know  not  what  shall  be  on  the  morrow.  Keep 
us  constantly  mindful,  that  in  the  midst  of  life  Ave  are 
in  death.  Of  Avhom  may  we  seek  for  succour  but  of 
thee,  0  Lord,  who,  for  our  sins,  art  justly  displeased  ? 
Yet,  0  Lord  God,  most  holy,  0  Lord,  most  mighty,  O 
holy  and  merciful  Saviour,  thou  most  wortby  judge  eter- 
nal, sufi'er  us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  fur  any  pains  of  death 
to  fall  from  tnee. 


FIFTH  WEEK.  20E 

Give  ear,  0  Lord,  to  our  prayers  for  our  fellow-crea- 
tures. 

Put  the  ungodly  in  fear,  that  they  may  know  them- 
selves to  be  but  men.  Incline  them  seriously  to  think 
on  their  ways,  and  turn  their  feet  unto  thy  testimonies. 

Let  all  those  who  trust  in  thee  rejoice ;  because  their 
redemption  draweth  nigh ;  and  their  salvation  is  nearer 
than  when  they  first  believed. 

Be  gracious  unto  such  as,  in  this  transitory  world,  are 
suffering,  either  for  their  sins  or  for  righteousness  sake ; 
and  sanctify  their  sufferings  to  the  good  of  their  souls. 

Lastly,  we  pray  thee.  Almighty  God,  with  whom  do 
live  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  after  they  are 
delivered  from  their  earthly  prisons,  to  look  with  com- 
passion on  all  whom  the  sorrows  of  death  are  encompass- 
ing about.  We  commend  their  souls  into  thy  hands,  as 
into  the  hands  of  a  faithful  Creator  and  most  mercifiJ 
Saviour ;  humbly  beseeching  thee,  that  they  may  be  pre- 
cious in  thy  sight.  Wash  them  in  the  blood  of  that 
spotless  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of 
the  world,  that  they  may  be  presented  pure,  and  without 
spot  before  thee. 

And  teach  us  who  survive,  in  every  daily  spectacle  of 
mortality  to  remember  how  frail  and  uncertain  our  own 
condition  is;  and  so  to  number  our  days  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Grant  that  neither  the 
splendour  of  any  thing  that  is  great,  nor  the  conceit  of 
any  thing  that  is  good  in  us,  may  withdraw  our  eyes 
frum  looking  upon  ourselves  as  sinful  dust  and  ashes: 
but  that  we  may  press  forward  to  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  that  is  before  us,  in  faith  and  patience,  humility 
and  meekness,  mortification  and  self-denial,  charity  and 
constant  perseverance  unto  the  end ;  and  all  this  for  thy 
Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ's  sake :  to  whom,  with  thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory,  world 
without  end. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


204  FIFTH   WEEK. 


THURSDAY  MORNING.         Cotterill 

Almighty  God,  whose  eyes  run  to  and  fro  throughout 
all  the  earth,  we  adore  and  magnify  thee,  as  the  author 
of  all  our  blessings,  and  the  source  of  all  our  happi- 
ness. 

Every  good  gift,  and  every  perfect  gift,  is  from  above, 
and  coraeth  down  from  thee,  the  Father  of  lights,  Avith 
whom  is  no  variableness,  neither  shadow  of  turning. 

Thou  preservest  to  us  our  life  and  health,  our  food  and 
raiment,  our  friends  and  benefactors,  our  private  and 
public  blessings,  the  means  of  grace,  and  the  hope  of 
glory.  Thou  art  worthy  of  our  highest  adoration,  our 
liveliest  gratitude,  and  our  most  unfeigned  praise. 

But  wherewithal  shall  we  come  before  thee  V  And  how 
shall  we  give  unto  thee  the  honour  due  unto  thy  name  ? 
All  that  wo  have  is  unworthy  of  thy  regard;  and  our 
best  returns  serve  only  to  remind  us,  how  gracious  thou 
art  in  receiving  them.  Not  for  our  sakes,  0  Lord,  not 
for  our  sakes,  dost  thou  continue  to  bless  us  from  day  to 
'day,  and  permit  us  to  come  into  thy  presence ;  but  be- 
cause thou  delightcst  in  mercy ;  because  thy  goodness  is 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting ;  and  because,  above  all, 
thou  hast  respect  unto  the  sacrifice  of  thy  beloved  Son, 
who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  our  souls. 

For  his  sake,  0  Lord,  continue  to  us  all  our  blessings ; 
and  be  gracious  unto  us,  even  as  thou  art  wont.  Grant 
that  the  number  of  thy  mercies,  in  Christ  Jesus,  may 
ever  triumph  over  the  multitude  of  our  sins ;  and  thai 
our  suj)plications  and  praises,  stained  as  they  are  with 
imperfection  and  deliienicnt,  may,  through  his  most  j)re- 
cious  blood-shedding,  daily  enter  with  acceptance  into 
thy  ears,  0  Lord  of  hosts. 

In  his  all-prevailing  name  we  beseech  thee  to  look  down 
upon  us  in  compassion  this  morning.  Let  thy  tlioughta 
towarils  us  be  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of  evil. 

As  thou  hast  kept  us  from  the  terror  by  niglit,  and 
from  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness,  bo  may  it 


FIFTH   WEEK.  205 

please  thee  to  save  us  from  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day, 
and  from  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon. 

0  merciful  Father,  that  despisest  not  the  sighing  of  a 
contrite  heart,  nor  the  desire  of  such  as  be  sorrowful, 
mercifully  assist  our  prayers  that  we  make  before  thee, 
in  all  our  troubles  and  adversities,  whensoever  they  op- 
press us ;  and  graciously  hear  us,  that  those  evils  which 
the  craft  and  subtlety  of  the  devil  or  man  Avorketh  against 
us,  be  brought  to  nought,  and  by  the  providence  of  thy 
goodness  they  may  be  dispersed,  that  we,  thy  servants, 
being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  may  evermore  give  thanks 
unto  thee,  and  praise  thy  holy  name. 

Enable  us  to  pass  this  day,  and  all  our  days,  in  thy 
faith  and  fear. 

Preserve  us,  that  our  minds  be  not  overcharged  with 
the  cares  of  this  life. 

Make  us  humble  in  prosperity,  and  patient  and  thank- 
ful in  the  time  of  adversity. 

Suffer  us  not  to  be  occupied  in  ungodly  works  with 
the  men  that  work  wickedness.  Let  us  not  do  the  things 
that  please  them,  and  so  become  partakers  of  their  sins. 
But  give  us  grace  to  set  our  face  as  a  rock  against  sin, 
and  vanity,  and  every  appearance  of  evil ;  and  let  not 
our  hearts  be  inclined  to  any  evil  thing,  but  only  to  that 
which  pleaseth  thee. 

Thou  hast  showed  us,  0  Lord,  what  is  good,  and  what 
thou  requirest  of  us.  Help  us  to  obey  thy  command- 
ment, to  do  justly,  to  love  mercy,  and  to  Avalk  humbly 
with  thee,  our  God.  And,  having  received  how  we 
ought  to  Avalk  and  please  thee,  may  we  abound  more 
and  more.  Vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  continually  to 
direct,  sanctify,  and  govern,  both  our  hearts  and  bodies 
in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in  the  works  of  thy  com- 
mandments ;  that  through  thy  most  mighty  protection, 
both  here  and  ever,  we  may  be  preserved  in  body  and 
soul. 

0  thou  God  of  kingdoms,  and  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth,  give  thy  blessing  to  all  nations ;  especially  to 
that  in  which  thou  hast  cast  our  lot. 

S 


206  FIFTH  WEEK. 

We  are,  indeed,  a  sinful  people,  laden  Tvith  iniquity , 
and  it  is  entirely  of  thy  mercies  that  we  have  not  been 
consumed.  But  continue,  we  pray  thee,  to  spare  and 
bless  us ;  and  grant  that  all  thy  goodness  towards  u3 
may  lead  us  to  repentance.  Be  thou  our  God,  and  may 
■we  be  thy  people ;  that  all  the  world  may  know  that 
thou  art  our  Defender  and  Almighty  Deliverer. 

Bless  the  neighbourhood  in  wliich  we  dwell,  and  the 
families  with  whom  we  are  more  immediately  connected. 
May  they  be  taught  of  thee  to  be  kindly  aflfcctioned  one 
toward  another  ;  and  to  dwell  together  in  peace  and  love, 
and  do  thou,  the  God  of  peace  and  love,  be  with  them 
now  and  evermore. 

"\Ye  further  pray  thee  to  shed  thy  favour  and  blessing 
upon  this  family.  Increase  our  love  to  thee,  and  to 
each  other  ;  and  make  it  our  delight  thus  to  meet  before 
thy  throne,  to  oflFer  up  our  prayers  and  praises,  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


THURSDAY   EVENING.         Cotterill. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  Lord  God,  the  Creator  of 
the  ends  of  the  earth,  that  faintest  not,  neither  art  weary, 
whose  mercy  endureth  forever,  who  is  a  God  like  unto 
thee,  that  pardoncst  iniquity,  that  passest  by  the  trans- 
gression of  tliy  heritage  ;  and  rctainest  not  thy  anger 
forever,  because  thou  delightest  in  mercy  ? 

"When  we  call  to  remembrance  the  days  that  are  gone, 
from  our  youth  up  even  until  now,  and  consider  how 
many  of  them  have  been  spent  in  forgetfulness  of  thee, 
innumerable  sorrows  might  well  encompass  us ;  and  our 
sins  take  such  hold  upon  us,  that  we  should  not  be  able 
to  look  up.  Seeing  they  are  more  in  number  than  the 
hairs  of  our  head,  our  hearts  might  well  fail  because  of 
them,  did  we  not  know  that  thy  compassions  fail  not. 

\Vc  have  abundant  cause,  O  Lord,  to  remember  and 
to  be  confounded,  and  never  to  open  our  mouth  any 


FIFTH    WEEK.  207 

wore  because  of  our  shame,  even  though  thou  shouldst 
be  pacified  towards  us  for  all  that  avc  have  done. 

We  therefore  bless  thee  for  Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  the 
new  covenant ;  through  Avhom  we  hope  to  be  justified 
from  all  things,  from  which  we  could  not  be  justified  by 
any  righteousness  of  our  own. 

AVe  adore  and  magnify  thy  name,  0  Father  of  mercies, 
ami  God  of  all  consolation,  for  having  called  us  with  a 
holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according 
to  thy  own  purpose  and  grace,  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus 
before  the  world  began ;  whom  having  not  seen,  we  love, 
and  in  whom,  though  we  sec  him  not,  yet  believing,  we 
may  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

0  for  a  song  of  praise  !  for  a  psalm  of  everlasting 
thanksgiving  unto  thee,  the  God  of  our  salvation !  0 
Lamb  of  God,  worthy  art  thou  that  wast  slain  ;  for  thou 
hast  redeemed  us  unto  God  by  thy  blood !  "Worthy  art 
thou  that  Avast  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riclics,  and 
wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and 
blessing  ! 

Teach  us,  0  Lord,  to  live,  day  by  day,  in  humble  de- 
pendence on  thy  promises,  in  cheerful  obedience  to  thy 
laws,  and  in  a  sure  and  certain  hope  of  a  blessed  im- 
mortality. 

Keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with  thy  perpetual  mercy ; 
and  because  the  frailty  of  man,  without  thee,  cannot  but 
fall,  keep  us  ever  by  thy  help  from  all  things  hurtful, 
and  lead  us  to  all  things  profitable  to  our  salvation. 

From  all  our  enemies,  temj)oral  and  spiritual,  defend 
us,  0  Christ. 

In  all  time  of  our  tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our  pros- 
perity, in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  day  of  judgment, 
good  Lord  deliver  us. 

Grant  that,  being  received  for  thy  own  children  by 
adoption,  and  being  incorporated  into  thy  holy  church 
we  may  receive  the  fulness  of  thy  grace,  and  ever  re 
main  in  the  number  of  thy  faithful  children  ;  and  finally, 
with  the  residue  of  thy  people,  may  be  made  j)artakera 
of  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 


208  FIFTH    WEEb.. 

Preserve  us,  especially,  from  all  tlie  evils  to  ■which  we 
rpay  be  exposed  this  night.  Graciously  give  thy  angels 
charge  concerning  us,  to  pitch  their  tents  around  our 
beds :  and  grant  that  our  friends,  our  neighbours,  and 
all  who  are  dear  to  us,  may  be  brought  in  safety  to  the 
beginning  of  another  day. 

As  often  as  we  are  about  to  lie  down  on  the  bed  of 
sleep,  help  us  to  look  forward  to  that  sleep  in  the  dust 
of  the  earth,  from  which  all  shall  awake  at  the  last,  some 
to  everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shame  and  everlasting 
contempt. 

And  may  we  be  found  meet,  in  that  day,  to  join  in 
that  glorious  song  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  those 
who  wait  for  thy  appearing  :  "  Lo  !  this  is  our  God :  we 
have  waited  for  him,  and  he  will  save  us.  This  is  the 
Lord;  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  his  salvation," 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth,  mercifully  hear  these  our 
sup])lications ;  and  grant  us  thy  peace  all  the  days  of 
our  life,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


FRIDAY  MORNING.  CotteriU. 

Almighty  God,  whose  ears  are  always  open  to  the 
petitions  of  thy  huml)le  servants,  unto  thee  do  we  lift  up 
our  souls.  We  would  seek  thee  whilst  thou  mayest  be 
found ;  and  call  upon  thee  whilst  thou  art  near. 

Dispose  us  ever  to  direct  our  prayer  unto  thee,  and 
to  look  up ;  and,  daily,  at  thy  footstool,  to  wait  for  thy 
blessing,  more  than  they  who  watch  for  the  morning, 
yea,  more  than  they  who  watch  for  the  morning. 

Let  every  day  begin  with  thee.  For  thou,  0  Lord, 
art  a  God  full  of  compassion,  and  gracious,  long-sufi'cr- 
iiig,  and  plenteous  in  goodness  and  truth,  llow  precious 
are  thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us-ward  ! 

Thou  hast  protected  us  during  the  hours  of  darkness  ; 
for  the  darkness  is  no  darkness  with  thee  ;  but  the  night 


FIFTH  WEEK.  209 

shineth  as  the  day :  the  darkness  and  the  light  to  thee 
are  both  alike.  We  have  slept  and  awoke,  and  are  still 
with  thee.  Thou  art  a  God  at  hand,  and  not  afar  off; 
and  none  can  hide  themselves  in  secret  places,  where 
thou  canst  not  see  them. 

Whither  shall  we  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  And  whither 
shall  we  flee  from  thy  presence  ?  If  we  ascend  up  into 
heaven,  thou  art  there ;  if  we  go  down  to  hell,  thou  art 
there  also.  If  we  should  take  the  wings  of  the  morning, 
and  remain  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea,  even  there 
would  thy  hand  lead  us,  and  thy  right  hand  hold  us. 

We  humble  ourselves  before  thee,  for  the  sins  which 
thy  all-seeing  eyes  have  beheld  in  the  course  of  our  lives. 
Very  grievous  are  they,  0  Lord,  and  more  than  we  are 
able  to  express  ;  and  not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before 
thee.  If  thou  shouldst  be  extreme  to  mark  what  is  done 
amiss,  0  Lord,  who  may  abide  it  ?  AVe  confess  that 
our  hearts  cannot  endure,  nor  our  hands  be  strong,  in 
that  day  Avhcn  thou  shalt  deal  with  us,  if  thou  deal 
with  us  according  to  our  sins,  and  reward  us  according 
to  our  iniquities. 

But,  we  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  deal  not  thus  with  thy 
servants.  Blot  out  the  hand-writing  that  is  against  us; 
and  take  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing  it  to  the  cross  of  thy 
beloved  Son.  Grant  unto  us  redemption  through  his 
blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to  the 
riches  of  thy  grace.  May  we  be  washed ;  may  we  be 
sanctified  ;  may  we  be  justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  by  thy  Spirit,  0  Lord  God. 

Let  a  sense  of  thy  presence  abide  with  us  this  day. 
May  we  set  thee  always  before  us,  remembering  that 
thou,  0  God,  seest  us.  And  since  unto  thee  all  hearts 
are  open,  all  desires  known,  and  from  thee  no  secrets 
are  hid;  cleanse,  we  beseech  thee,  the  thoughts  of  our 
hearts,  by  the  inspiration  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we 
may  perfectly  love  thee,  and  worthily  magnify  thy  holy 
name. 

And  while  we  acknowledge  thee  in  all  our  ways,  do 
thou  in  mercy  direct  our  paths.     As  thou  didst  vouch- 

S2 


no  FIFTH   WEEK. 

safe  to  lead  thy  people  Israel  in  safety  tlirough  the  wil 
derness,  going  before  them  by  day  in  a  pillar  of  cioud, 
and  in  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night ;  so  be  thou  mercifully? 
pleased  to  lead  and  protect  us  in  the  way  in  which  we 
should  go.  Stand  continually  at  our  right  hand,  that 
we  may  not  be  moved-  Strengthen  us  with  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  Comforter;  and  daily  increase  in  us  thy 
manifold  gifts  of  grace  ;  the  spirit  of  Avisdom  and  under- 
standing, the  spirit  of  counsel  and  strength,  the  spirit 
of  knowledge  and  true  piety ;  and  fill  us,  0  Lord,  with 
thy  holy  fear,  now  and  evermore. 

We  beseech  thee,  also,  0  Lord,  to  give  unto  our  fel- 
low-creatures a  due  reverence  of  thy  holy  presence. 

May  the  ungodly  remember  that  thou  knowest  their 
manifold  transgressions;  and  that  there  is  no  darkness, 
or  shadow  of  death,  where  the  workers  of  iniquity  may 
hide  their  heads. 

May  those  who  have  hitherto  been  deceiving  them- 
selves or  others,  with  vain  professions  of  religion,  be 
brought  to  see  that  they  cannot  deceive  thee ;  and  so 
may  be  led  to  seek  thee  in  truth  and  sincerity. 

0  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thy  continual  pity 
cleanse  and  defend  thy  church ;  and  because  it  cannot 
continue  in  safety  without  thy  succour,  preserve  it  ever- 
more by  thy  help  and  goodness. 

Let  thy  presence  comfort  and  support  thy  afllicted 
people^:  and  be  a  refuge  to  them  in  all  their  troubles. 

furthermore,  we  pray  thee  to  dwell  in  the  hearts  of 
all  who  arc  near  and  dear  to  us ;  and  to  make  them  a 
holy  temple  in  the  Lord,  the  habitation  of  thy  blessed 
Spirit,  througli  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 

i)av  Father,  &c. 


FRIDAY  EA^EXING.  CotterllL 

Almighty  and  immortal  God,  tbe  aid  of  all  that  need, 
the  helper  of  all  tliat  ilee  to  thee  for  succour,  the  life  of 
them  that  believe,  and  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  re- 


FIFTH   WEEK.  211 

ceive  us,  as  thou  hast  promised  by  thy  well-beloved  Son, 
saying,  Ask,  and  ye  shall  have ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find ; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  nnto  you.  So  give  now 
unto  us  that  ask ;  let  us  that  seek  find  ;  open  the  gate 
unto  us  that  knock,  that  we  may  enjoy  the  everlasting 
benediction  of  thy  heavenly  grace,  and  may  come  to  the 
eternal  kingdom  which  thou  hast  promised  by  Christ 
our  Lord. 

We  draw  nigh  unto  thee  in  his  great  name,  trusting 
to  thy  word,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  thy  beloved 
Son  shall  be  saved.  And  we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that 
we  may  come  unto  him  this  night,  weary  and  heavy 
laden  with  the  bui'den  of  our  sins,  and  may  thus  find 
rest  to  our  souls. 

As  the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  great 
let  thy  mercy  be  towards  us.  Far  as  the  east  is  from 
the  west,  so  far  do  thou  remove  our  transgressions  from 
us.  Yea,  like  as  an  earthly  father  pitieth  his  children, 
so  do  thou,  our  heavenly  Father,  pity  and  have  mercy 
upon  us.  Adopt  us  into  thy  family ;  take  away  our 
guilt ;  accept  our  persons ;  and  reconcile  us  unto  thy- 
self, through  the  blood  of  thy  beloved  Son. 

We  pray  thee,  also,  0  Lord,  to  shoAv  unto  us  more  of 
the  evil  of  sin,  that  we  may  know  more  of  thy  wonder- 
ful grace  and  mercy  in  pardoning  it ;  and  more  of  the 
loving-kindness  of  God  our  Saviour,  in  dying  to  redeem 
us  from  it. 

0  the  depths  of  the  riches  of  thy  wisdom,  thy  know- 
ledge, and  thy  love  !  Thou,  0  God,  the  merciful  and 
gi-acious  Lord,  hast  so  done  thy  marvellous  works,  that 
they  ought  to  be  had  in  remembrance.  Thou  hatst  sent 
redemption  unto  thy  people  ;  thou  hast  commanded  thy 
covenant  for  ever;  holy  and  reverend  is  thy  name.  It 
is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto  thee,  0  Lord ;  and 
to  sing  praises  unto  thy  name,  0  thou,  Most  Highest ; 
to  show  forth  thy  loving-kindness  in  the  morning,  and 
thy  faithfulness  every  night.  We,  thy  unworthy  ser- 
vants, therefore,  do  give  thee  most  humble  and  hearty 
thanks  for  all  thy  goodness  and  loving-kindness  to  us 


212  FIFTH  WEEK. 

and  to  all  men.  We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  prcsei 
vation,  and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life ;  but,  above  all, 
for  thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemption  of  the  world, 
by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  the  means  of  grace,  and 
for  the  hope  of  glory.  And,  we  beseech  thee,  give  ua 
that  due  sense  of  all  thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may 
be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  that  we  may  show  forth 
thy  praise,  not  only  with  our  lips  but  in  our  lives,  by 
giving  up  ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  by  walking  be- 
fore thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our  days, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ;  to  whom  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honour  and  glory,  world  with- 
out end. 

Vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  to  hear  our  prayers  for  those 
whom  it  is  our  duty  and  our  desire  to  remember  at  the 
throne  of  grace. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bring  Into  the  way  of  truth  all 
such  as  have  erred,  and  are  deceived. 

May  it  please  thee  to  defend  and  bless  all  who  are  in 
authority ;  to  rule  their  hearts  in  thy  faitli,  fear,  and 
love,  that  they  may  ever  seek  thy  honour  and  glory. 

May  it  please  thee  to  guide  and  protect  our  magis- 
trates, that  they  may  be  a  terror  to  evil-doers,  and  for 
the  praise  of  them  that  do  well. 

May  it  please  thee  to  illuminate  all  the  ministers  of 
thy  blessed  gospel  witli  true  knowledge  and  understand- 
ing of  thy  word ;  and  that  both  by  their  preaching  and 
living,  they  may  set  it  forth  and  show  it  accordingly. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  faithful  in  Christ 
Jesus,  and  to  give  them  grace  to  continue  faithful  unto 
death. 

May  it  please  thee  to  bless  the  rising  generation,  es- 
pecially the  generation  of  those  that  seek  thee,  and  of 
all  our  kindred,  friends,  and  neighbours.  Grant  that 
our  children,  as  they  grow  in  stature,  may  grow  in  wis- 
dom and  in  grace,  and  in  favour  with  thee  and  man : 
and  thus  may  become  thy  sons  and  daughters,  0  Lord 
Almighty. 

Finally,  may  it  please  tliec  to  stand  at  the  right  hand 


FIFTH  WEEK.  213 

»f  the  poor  and  destitute,  and  to  be  unto  them  a  tower 
)f  strength  against  all  theh'  enemies. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  MOENING.  Bp.  Bhomfield. 
Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  who,  for  our 

Accept   we  beseech  tliee,  our  unfeigned  sorrow  for 

our  past  transgressions;  and  grant  thai  we  mTy  lever 

0  presmno  upon  thy  mercy,  at  to  despise  the  riches  of 

n'4~i;  r.'woit  • "'  '  """  °f  th/forbeara^ce  an 

°fe°to  tbl^fn  r  rP™'™""  ''"'1  ™endment  of 

Jesus  Christ!  ^'     ^"""^^  *'"'  """'"  "'^ '""•  ^^viour 

Keep  alive  in  us,  0  Lord,  a  true  spirit  of  devotion- 
and  preserve  us  from  the  great  sin  of  prayint  to  hee 
w.th  our  hps  only  and  not  with  our  heart  and  1  nd 

.i^rc^-tetr--^^^^^^^^^^^ 
at^ut  with  thy  i.j\  -^ir  uri ,  ^:r'yn?s:ran"d 

,I..Jlf'"'  "r,""'^  ^°"'''  ""<'  conscientious  in  all  our 
deahngs  ;  dihgent  ,n  the  performance  of  our  duty  •  k 
noccnt  m  our  conversation ;  meek,  charitab  e  a/d' &" 


214  FIFTH  WEEK. 

giviniT  towards  others  ;  watchful  over  ourselves,  and  evei 
mindful  of  thy  presence. 

Sanctify  unto  us  our  crosses  and  afflictions,  if  it  be 
thy  good  pleasure  to  afflict  us ;  and  give  us  such  a  mea- 
sure of  patience  and  godly  resolution,  that  we  may  be 
willing  to  take  up  our  cross  daily,  and  to  follow  the 
Lamb,  whithersoever  he  goeth. 

0  Lord,  if  we  have  now  asked  any  thing  amiss,  we 
pray  thee  pardon  our  ignorance  and  infirmity ;  and 
whatsoever  is  good  for  us,  even  if  we  ask  it  not,  be 
pleased  to  grant  to  us,  in  the  name  and  for  the  sake 
of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


SATURDAY  EVENING.        E.  3Iore. 

In  an  humble  acknowledgement  of  our  manifold  sins 
and  iniquities,  which  we  from  time  to  time,  and  more 
especially  this  day,  have  committed  against  thee,  both 
in  thought,  word,  and  deed,  we  now  prostrate  ourselves 
before  thee,  0  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  beseeching 
thee,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Lord  and 
Saviour,  to  be  merciful  unto  us.  Forgive  us,  0  Lord, 
that  we  have  not  rendered  unto  thee  according  to  thy 
mercy  and  loving-kindness  ;  that  we  have  been  forgetful 
and  disobedient,  and  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in 
thy  sight.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  sanctify  us  throughout, 
and  give  us  more  and  more  grace  and  strength,  whereby 
we  may  be  enabled  to  subdue  all  our  sinful  and  corru{)t 
affections  ;  grant  that  we  may  improve  the  remainder  of 
our  days  with  all  possible  care,  and  give  all  diligence  to 
make  our  calling  and  election  sure,  that  Ave  may  so  per 
severe  therein  unto  death,  that  at  last  we  may  attain 
everlasting  life. 

Accept  our  praises  and  thanksgivings  for  all  thy  mer- 
cies vouchsafed  us  in  this  life,  and  for  the  hopes  of  a 
better.    And  now  that  wc  are  going  to  take  our  rest  and 


FIFTH   WEEK.  215 

sleep,  let  us  consider  that  thou,  Lord,  only  makest  us  to 
dwell  in  safety ;  whether  we  sleep  or  wake,  live  or  die, 
let  us  be  found  thine  own,  to  thy  eternal  glory,  and  our 
everlasting  salvation,  through  Jesus  Christ. 

0  our  God,  another  week  has  just  passed  away,  and 
we  are  still  in  the  land  of  the  living,  while  so  many  of 
our  fellow-creatures  have  passed  from  time  into  eternity. 
Blessed  be  God  for  the  continuance  of  life  and  healtli, 
and  for  prolonged  opportunities  of  preparing  for  death 
and  judgment. 

0  gracious  God,  let  not  this  continuance  of  mercy  in- 
crease our  condemnation,  by  encouraging  us  to  commit 
sm,  because  hitherto  thine  anger  has  been  withheld  from 
fallmg  upon  us.  Let  us  not  treasure  up  wrath  unto  our- 
selves against  the  day  of  wrath ;  but  teach  us  to  number 
our  days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Prepare  us,  most  blessed  God,  by  sleep  and  rest,  to 
take  our  part  in  the  duties  of  the  Sabbath  to-morrow. 
Give  us  that  sense  of  sin  which  leads  to  a  full  confession 
of  Its  guilt,  and  to  faith  in  the  atonement  of  Christ  for 
Its  pardon.  Give  us  that  adoring  gratitude  for  all  thy 
mercies,  more  especially  for  the  great  mercy  of  a  Sa- 
viour, which  may  incline  us  to  praise  thee  with  joyful 
lips.  Give  us  that  sense  of  the  value  of  our  souls,  and 
ot  the  greatness  of  thy  salvation,  which  may  lead  us  to 
seek  hfe  and  mercy  with  all  our  hearts.  0  let  not  the 
coming  Sabbath  be  defectively  used,  like  those  which 
ai-e  passed ;  but  let  it  be  so  improved,  by  public  and 
private  means  of  grace,  as  to  advance  our  meetness  for 
the  service  of  that  eternal  Sabbath  that  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God  ;  through  the  merit  and  mediation  ^f 
Jesus  Christ. 
Oiu'  Father,  &c. 


PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

FOR 

PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS. 

LAST  EVENING  OF  THE  OLD  Y?:AR.  Jay 

0  God,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  and  dwelling-place 
in  all  generations ;  before  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God.  A 
thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yesterday  when  ic 
is  past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the  night.  But  as  for  man, 
his  days  are  as  grass,  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flou- 
risheth  ;  for  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone,  and 
the  place  thereof  knowcth  it  no  more. 

"We  appear  before  thee,  to  close  in  thy  presence,  an- 
other of  the  revolutions  of  our  fleeting  existence,  ear- 
nestly praying  that  the  season  may  not  pass  away, 
without  suitable  and  serious  reflections.  We  know  that 
our  life  is  a  vapour,  that  appcareth  for  a  little  time,  and 
then  vanisheth  away  ;  we  know  the  frailty  of  our  frame, 
and  the  numberless  diseases  and  disasters  to  which  we 
are  exposed — so  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we 
may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

What  numbers  of  our  fellow-creatures  have,  during 
the  past  year,  been  carried  down  to  their  long  home — 
but  we  have  been  preserved ;  and  are  living  to  praise 
thee  this  day.  Blessed  be  the  God  of  salvation,  to  whom 
belong  the  issues  from  death,  that  we  are  yet  in  the  re- 
cions  of  hope,  that  we  have  yet  an  accepted  time,  and  a 
*  *  (216) 


PRAYERS  AND  TIIANKSGIVINQS.  217 

day  of  salvation ;  and  that  our  opportunities  of  doing 
good,  as  well  as  of  gaining  good,  are  still  prolonged. 

Thou  hast  commanded  us  to  remember  all  the  way, 
which  thou  hast  led  us  in  the  wilderness.  The  scene  of 
our  journeying  has  indeed  been  a  wilderness ;  but  the 
hand  that  has  conducted  us  is  divine ;  and  a  thousand 
privileges  have  been  experienced  in  it. 

Thou  hast  corrected  us,  but  it  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies 
wo  are  not  consumed. 

We^  have  had  our  afflictions,  but  how  few  have  they 
been  in  number ;  how  short  in  continuance ;  how  alle- 
viated in  degree ;  how  merciful  in  design ;  how  instructive 
and  useful  in  their  results. 

Thou  hast  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins,  neither  hast 
thou  rewarded  us  accordiiig  to  our  iniquities. 

But  0  what  a  series  of  bounties  and  blessings  present 
themselves  to  our  minds,  when  we  look  back  upon  the 
year  through  which  we  have  passed :  and  to  what,  but 
to  thme  unmerited  goodness  in  the  Son  of  thy  love,  are 
we  indebted  for  all.  Health,  strength,  food,  raiment, 
residence,  friends,  relations,  comfort,  pleasure,  hope,  use- 
fulness,—all  our  benefits  have  dropped  from  thy  gracious 
hand ;  and  there  has  not  been  a  day,  or  an  hour,  or  a 
moment,  but  has  published  thy  kindness  and  thy  care. 

Especially  would  we  acknowledge  thy  goodness,  in 
continuing  to  us  the  means  of  grace.  Whatever  has  been 
denied  us,  we  have  had  the  provisions  of  thy  house.  The 
toils  and  trials  of  the  week  have  been  refreshed  and  re- 
lieved by  the  delights  of  the  Sabbath.  Our  eyes  have 
seen  our  teachers.  Our  ears  have  heard  the  joyful  sound 
of  the  gospel ;  and  our  hearts  have  often  said,  Lord,  it 
IS  good  for  us  to  be  here. 

*And  we  especially  praise  thy  name,  0  thou  God  of 
grace,  for  all  the  success  which  has  attended  the  means 
of  grace.  We  thank  thee  that  thy  Holy  Spirit  has  been 
sent  down  upon  thy  churches.  We  praise  thee  that  thy 
grace  has  been  imparted  to  any  to  comfort  the  disconso- 
late ;  to  strengthen  the  feeble;  to  support  the  dying. 
We  bless  thee  that  the  preached  g.ospel  has  been  attended 
10  T 


218  PRAYERS  AXl    THANKSOIVINaS 

■with  success ;  and  that  the  reviving  influences  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit  have  been  felt  in  our  land.  We  thank  thee 
for  all  the  mild  and  benignant  influences  of  our  holv  re- 
ligion upon  the  nation  amid  -whom  we  live  ;  and  that  the 
inestimable  blessings  of  liberty,  peace,  prosperity,  and 
education,  are  still  continued  with  us.  And  we  give  praise 
to  thy  name  that  thou  hast  remembered  thy  promises  to 
thy  church  —  that  thou  hast  extended  its  cords,  and 
strengthened  its  stakes  —  that  thou  hast  excited  thy 
people  to  the  great  work  of  spreading  thy  gospel  among 
the  nations  —  and  hast  crowned  their  efforts  with  so 
cheering  success.* 

And  0,  that  every  moment  of  the  past  year  could,  if 
called  upon — and  it  will  be  called  upon,  bear  witness  to 
our  gratitude,  love  and  obedience.  0,  that  it  was  not 
in  its  power  to  convict  us  of  the  most  unworthy  requitals 
of  thy  goodness.  To  thee,  0  Lord,  belong  glory  and 
honour,  but  to  us  shame  and  confusion  of  face.  0,  who 
can  understand  his  errors  ?  0  how  many  duties  have 
we  neglected  or  improperly  performed  !  IIow  little  have 
we  redeemed  our  time,  or  improved  our  talents  !  How 
little  have  we  been  alive  to  thy  glory,  or  sought,  or  even 
seized,  when  presented,  opportunities  of  serving  our 
generation !  IIow  unprofited  have  we  been  under  the 
richest  means  of  religious  prosperity  —  and,  when  for 
the  time  we  ought  to  be  able  to  teach  others,  we  need 
to  be  again  taught  ourselves,  what  are  the  first  princi- 
ples of  the  oracles  of  God. 

God  be  merciful  to  us  sinners.  Pardon  our  'uiiquity, 
for  it  is  great.  Cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness ; 
and  work  in  us  to  will  and  to  do  of  thy  good  pleasure- 
Let  us  not  carry  one  of  our  old  sins  witli  us  into  the 
new  year — unforgiven — unropcnted  of — unbcwailod  — 
unabhorred.  With  a  new  portion  of  time,  may  we  have 
new  hearts  ;  and  become  new  creatm-es. 

If  this  coming  year  Me  should  die — and  in  the  midst 
of  life  we  are  in  death  —  may  death  prove  our  eternal 
gain :  and  if  our  days  are  prolonged,  may  we  walk  be- 
fore the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living,  and  show  forth 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  219 

ill  thy  praise.  The  number  of  our  months  is  with  thee. 
In  thy  hand  our  breath  is,  and  thine  are  all  our  ways. 
Vrepare  us  for  all :  and  be  with  us  in  all :  and  bring  us 
safely  through  all,  into  the  rest  that  remains  for  thy 
people  ;  for  the  sake  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  ;  in  whose 
words  we  call  thee,  Our  Father,  &c.     Amen. 


FIRST  MORNING  OF  THE  NEW  YEAR.  /ay. 

0  Lord,  of  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation  of  the 
earth,  and  the  heavens  are  the  work  of  thy  hands.  They 
shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt  endure ;  yea,  all  of  theni 
shall  wax  old  like  a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou 
change  them,  and  they  shall  be  changed ;  but  thou  art 
the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end.  We  desire, 
0  God,  with  the  profoundest  reverence  to  contemplate 
tlic  eternity  of  thy  nature.  May  our  minds  be  filled 
with  elevation  and  grandeur,  at  the  thought  of  a  Being 
with  whom  one  day  is  as  a  thousand  years,  and  a  thou- 
sand years  as  one  day ;  a  Being  who,  amidst  all  the 
revolutions  of  empire,  and  the  lapse  of  ages,  feels  no 
variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning.  IIow  glorious, 
with  immortality  attached  to  them,  are  all  thy  attributes; 
and  how  secure  are  the  hopes  and  happiness  of  all  those 
who  know  thy  name  and  put  their  trust  in  thee. 

May  we  rejoice,  that  while  men  die,  the  Lord  liveth ; 
that  wliile  all  creatures  are  found  broken  reeds  and  bro- 
ken cisterns,  he  is  the  Rock  of  Ages,  and  the  fountain 
of  living  waters.  0  that  we  may  turn  away  our  hearts 
from  vanity ;  and  among  all  the  uncertainties  of  the 
present  state,  look  after  an  interest  in  that  everlasting 
covenant,  which  is  ordered  in  all  things  and  sure.  May 
we  seek  after  an  union  with  thyself,  as  the  strength  of 
our  heart,  and  our  portion  forever,  for  thou  hast  assured 
us  that  while  the  world  passeth  away,  and  the  lusts 
thereof,  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God  abideth  forever. 

We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  revealed  to  us  the  way 
in  which  a  fallen  and  perishing  sinner  can  be  eternally 


220  PRAYEKS    AND    THANKSGIVINGS 

united  tx)  thyself;  and  that  Jesus  is  the  way,  the  truth 
aiil  tlie  life.     In  his  name  we  come ;  0,  receive  us  gra 
ciously ;  justify  us  freely  ;  renew  us  in  the  spirit  of  our 
minds  ;    and    bless   us   with   all    spiritual    blessings    in 
heavenly  places  in  Christ. 

By  the  lapse  of  our  days,  and  weeks,  and  years, 
which  we  are  called  upon  so  often  to  remark,  may  we  be 
reminded  how  short  our  life  is,  and  how  soon  we  shall 
dose  our  eyes  on  every  prospect  below  the  sun ;  and, 
0,  suffer  us  not  to  neglect  the  claims  of  eternity,  in  the 
pursuit  of  the  trifles  of  time  ;  but  knowing  how  frail  we 
are,  may  we  be  wise  enough  to  choose  that  good  part 
which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  us  ;  and  before  we 
leave  the  present  evil  world,  may  we  secure  an  inherit- 
ance in  another  and  a  better.  May  thoughts  of  death 
and  eternity  so  impress  our  minds,  as  to  put  seriousness 
into  our  prayers,  and  vigour  into  our  resolutions ;  may 
they  loosen  us  from  an  undue  attachment  to  things  seen 
and  temporal ;  so  that  we  may  weep  as  though  we  wept 
not,  and  rejoice  as  if  we  rejoiced  not. 

And  remembering  that  the  present  life,  so  short,  so 
uncertain — and  so  much  of  which  is  already  vanished,  is 
the  only  opportunity  we  shall  ever  have  for  usefulness, 
may  we  be  concerned  to  redeem  the  time.  May  we  be 
alive  and  awake  at  every  call  of  charity  and  piety.  May 
we  feed  the  hungry,  and  clothe  the  naked ;  may  we  in- 
struct the  ignorant ;  reclaim  the  vicious ;  forgive  the 
offending  ;  diffuse  the  gospel ;  and  consider  one  another 
to  provoke  one  another  unto  love  and  good  works,  not 
forsaking  the  assembling  ourselves  together  as  the  man- 
ner of  some  is,  but  exhorting  one  another,  and  so  much 
the  more  as  we  see  the  day  approaching. 

As  we  have  entered  on  a  new  period  of  life,  may  wo 
faithfully  examine  ourselves,  to  see  what  has  been  amis3 
in  our  former  temper  or  conduct ;  and  in  thy  strength 
may  we  resolve  to  correct  it.  And  may  we  inquire  foi 
the  future  —  with  a  full  determination  to  reduce  our 
knowledge  to  practice  —  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me 
to  d<j  ? 


FOR  PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  221 

Prepare  us  for  all  the  duties  of  the  ensuing  year.  All 
the  wisdom  and  strength  necessary  for  the  performance 
of  them  must  come  from  thyself;  may  we,  therefore, 
live  a  life  of  self-distrust,  of  divine  dependence,  and  of 
prayer  ;  may  we  ask  and  receive,  that  our  joy  may  be 
full ;  may  we  live  in  the  Spirit,  and  walk  in  the  Spirit. 

If  we  are  indulged  with  prosperity,  0  let  not  our 
prosperity  destroy  us,  or  injure  us.  If  we  are  exercised 
with  adversity,  suffer  us  not  to  sink  in  the  hour  of 
trouble,  or  sin  against  God.  May  we  know  how  to  be 
abased,  without  despondence ;  and  to  abound,  without 
pride.  If  our  relative  comforts  are  continued  to  us, 
may  we  love  them  without  idolatry,  and  hold  them  at 
thy  disposal ;  and  if  they  are  recalled  from  us,  may  we 
be  enabled  to  say,  the  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away ;  and  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Fit  us  for  all  events.  We  know  not  Avhat  a  day  may 
bring  forth ;  but  we  encourage  ourselves  in  the  Lord 
our  God,  and  go  forward.  Thou  hast  been  thus  far  our 
helper ;  thou  hast  promised  to  be  with  us  in  every  con- 
dition ;  thou  hast  engaged  to  make  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good ;  all  thy  ways  are  mercy  and  truth. 
May  we,  therefore,  be  careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  every 
thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving, 
may  we  make  known  our  requests  unto  God ;  and  may 
the  peace  of  God,  that  passeth  all  understanding,  keep 
our  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus. 

Bless,  0  bless  the  young ;  may  each  of  them,  this 
day,  hear  thee  saying.  My  son  give  me  thy  heart ;  and, 
from  this  time,  may  they  cry  unto  thee,  as  the  guide  of 
their  youth.  Regard  those  who  have  reached  the  years, 
wherein  they  say,  we  have  no  pleasure  in  them.  If  old 
m  sin,  may  they  be  urged  to  embrace,  before  it  be  for- 
ever too  late,  the  things  that  belong  to  their  peace ;  and 
if  old  in  grace,  uphold  them  with  thy  free  Spirit,  and 
help  them  to  remember,  that  now  is  their  salvation 
nearer  than  when  they  believed. 

Bless  all  the  dear  connexions  attached  tc  us  by  nature, 
T2 


222  PRAYERS   AND   THANKSQIVINQS 

friendship,  or  religion.  Grace  be  to  them,  and  peact 
be  multiplied. 

Let  our  country  share  thy  protection  ani  smiles. 
Bless  all  our  rulers  and  magistrates. 

*We  commend  to  thee,  most  merciful  Father,  the  in- 
terests of  thy  church  in  the  advancing  year.  Not  know- 
ng  that  it  Avill  be  thy  good  pleasure  to  keep  us  in  the 
land  of  the  living,  yet  we  pray  that  thou  wilt  regard 
with  special  favour  thy  holy  church ;  and  smile  continu- 
ally upon  Zion.  Give  grace  to  thy  ministers  that  they 
may  preach  thy  gospel  with  simplicity,  power,  and  suc- 
cess. Bless  all  Sunday  schools.  And  may  thy  Spirit 
be  given  to  enlighten  all  Sunday  school  teachers,  and  to 
sanctify  all  Sunday  school  scholars.  IMay  thy  Holy 
Spirit  descend  upon  the  churches.  Let  pure  and  undo- 
filed  religion  prevail  in  all  the  congregations  of  thy  people. 
May  sinners  be  converted  in  great  numbers  to  thyself; 
and  may  this  year  be  distinguished  by  great  and  suc- 
cessful efforts  to  spread  the  gospel  through  this  land, 
and  through  all  the  world.  Smile,  0  gracious  God,  on 
all  missionaries  of  the  cross ;  amid  all  their  labours  and 
sufferings,  and  privations,  do  thou  sustain  them.  Let 
not  thy  people  faint,  and  grow  Aveary  in  this  work  ;  and 
during  the  advancing  year,  grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that 
the  power  of  thy  gospel  may  be  felt  in  all  lands,  and 
soon  may  the  whole  family  of  man  be  brought  under  the 
saving  power  of  divine  truth.* 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  tliy 
name ;  thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  Avill  be  done  on  earth  as 
it  is  in  heaven ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,  and 
forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive  those  that  tres- 
pass against  us ;  and  load  us  not  into  temptation  ;  but 
deliver  us  from  evil :  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,. and  the  glory,  for  ever.  Ameii. 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  223 

FOR  CHRISTMAS  DAY.  CottirUl, 


Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  accept  our  hearty  thanks  for 
the  manifold  mercies  which  thou  hast  poured  upon  us. 

We  bless  thee,  especially,  for  sending  thy  well  beloved 
Son,  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  and  to  be  made  in 
the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh. 

We  rejoice  that  unto  us  a  Child  is  born  ;  that  unto  us 
a  Son  is  given.  And  we  would  join  the  multitude  of  the 
heavenly  host,  in  ascribing  glory  to  thee  in  the  highest ; 
peace  on  earth ;  good  will  toward  men. 

We  praise  thee  for  revealing  to  us  the  way  in  which 
mercy  and  truth  have  met  together  ;  in  which  righteous- 
ness and  peace  have  kissed  each  other.  And  we  account 
it  a  faithful  saying,  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

Help  us,  0  Lord,  to  employ  this  day  in  meditating  on 
this  great  mystery  of  godliness,  God  manifest  in  the 
flesh,  which  thy  holy  angels  desire  to  look  into. 

And  as,  when  thou  didst  bring  thy  first-begotten  into 
the  world,  thou  didst  command  all  the  heavenly  host  to 
worship  him,  so  may  we  also  give  unto  him  the  glory 
which  is  due  unto  his  name. 

0  thou  great  and  glorious  Redeemer,  who  art  Won- 
derful, Counsellor,  the  Mighty  God,  the  Everlasting 
Father,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  we  praise  thee ;  we  bles3 
thee  ;  we  Avorship  thee ;  we  glorify  thee  ;  we  give  thanks 
to  thee  for  thy  great  glory,  0  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God, 
the  only  begotten  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  King  of  kings,  and 
Lord  of  lords,  Emmanuel,  God  with  us.  For  thou  only 
art  holy ;  thou  only  art  the  Lord ;  thou  only,  0  Christ, 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  art  most  high  in  the  glory  of  God 
the  Father. 

But  chiefly,  at  this  time,  we  adore  thee  for  leaving  the 
glory  Avhich  thou  hadst  with  the  Father  before  the  world 
began.     Wo  know  thy  grace,  0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that 


224  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSaiVINaS 

though  thou  wast  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  thou  didst  be- 
come poor,  that  we,  through  tliy  poverty,  might  be  made 
rich.  We  beseech  thee,  by  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  in- 
carnation and  nativity,  good  Lord,  deliver  us.  0  Son  of 
David,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou,  who  didst  come  that 
we  might  have  life,  and  might  have  it  more  abundantly, 
be  gracious  unto  us. 

Thou  who  wast  called  Jesus,  that  thou  mightest  save 
thy  people  from  their  sins,  save  us,  and  help  us,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  0  Lord. 

And  give  unto  us  grace,  Almighty  God,  that  we  may 
cast  away  the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the 
armour  of  light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in 
which  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  came  to  visit  us  in  great 
humility. 

As  he  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto,  but  to  minister, 
and  hath  left  us  an  example  to  do  unto  others  as  he  hath 
done  unto  us,  so  may  we  learn  to  take  his  yoke  upon  us, 
and  to  learn  of  him,  who  was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart, 
that  we  may  find  rest  unto  our  souls.  Grant,  that  we, 
being  regenerate  and  made  thy  children  by  adoption  and 
grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and 
follow  the  blessed  steps  of  his  most  holy  life ;  ever  re- 
membering that  he  gave  himself  for  us,  to  redeem  us 
from  all  iniquity,  and  to  purify  us  unto  himself  a  pecu- 
liar people,  zealous  of  good  works. 

Vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  thy  special  blessing  to  us  this  day. 

Have  compassion,  also,  on  those  who  have  never  heard 
of  the  coming  of  our  blessed  Lord  in  the  flesh.  In  him 
who  hath  arisen  to  rule  over  the  Gentiles,  let  the  Gen- 
tiles trust,  and  find  his  rest  to  be  glorious. 

Mercifidly  with  thy  favour  look  upon  the  wliolc  Chris- 
tian world.  May  all  that  name  the  name  of  Ciirist  de- 
part from  iniquity.  Especially  preserve  them  from 
turning  this  season  into  an  occasion  of  revellings  and 
unholy  mirth.  Let  them  rejoice,  as  Cliristians,  in  Christ 
their  Saviour;  and  let  thy  grace  teacli  tlw-m  to  deny  all 
ungodliness  and  woi-ldly  lusts,  and  to  live  soberly,  right 
eously, 'and  godly,  in  this  present  world. 


FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS  225 

And,  as  at  thy  first  coming,  0  Lord  Jesus  Olirist,  thou 
didst  send  thy  messenger  to  prepare  thy  way  before 
thee,  we  beseech  thee,  finally,  to  grant  that  the  minis- 
ters and  stewards  of  thy  mysteries,  may  likewise  so 
prepare  and  make  ready  thy  Avay,  by  turning  the  hearts 
of  the  disobedient  to  the  wisdom  the  just ;  that,  at  thy 
second  coming  to  judge  the  world,  we  may  be  found  an 
acceptable  people  in  thy  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord,  in  whose  name  we  further  pray : — 

Our  Father,  &c. 


FOR  CHRISTMAS  DAY. 


0  Holy  and  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than 
to  behold  iniquity,  and  yet  long-sufi'ering  towards  sin- 
ners, we  approach  thy  throne,  acknowledging  our  un- 
worthiness,  and  putting  our  whole  trust  and  confidence 
in  the  promises  which  thou  hast  made  unto  us  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord. 

We  have  greatly  provoked  thee  to  anger  by  our  mani- 
fold offences  ;  and,  were  not  judgment  thy  strange  work, 
we  should  long  since  have  received  at  thy  hands  the  just 
reward  of  our  evil-doings. 

But  thou  declarest  thy  almighty  power  most  chiefly 
in  showing  mercy  and  pity.  Thou  hast  not  stretched 
forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  majesty  to  avenge  thee  of 
thine  enemies ;  but  with  thine  own  arm  thou  hast  wrought 
out  redemption  for  us.  Thou  hast  not  sent  thy  Son  into 
the  world  to  condemn  the  world,  but  that  the  world 
through  him  might  be  saved. 

We  bless  thee  for  revealing  to  us  this  great  mystery, 
which  was  hid  from  ages  and  generations,  but  is  noAV 
made  manifest  unto  the  sons  of  men.  We  rejoice  that  ■ 
unto  us  was  born  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord. 
Our  souls  do  magnify  the  Lord,  and  our  spirits  do  rejoice 
ji  God  our  Saviour.  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David ! 
10* 


226  rRAYERS  AND  TnANKSQIVINOS 

Blessed  be  he  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord ; 
Ilosanua  in  the  highest ! 

Blessed  be  thou,  the  God  of  Israel,  for  visiting  and 
redeeming  thy  people,  and  raising  up  a  hrrn  of  salvation 
for  them ;  for  performing  the  promise  made  unto  their 
fathers,  and  for  remembering  thy  holy  covenant. 

Praised  be  thy  name,  for  sending  forth,  in  the  fulness 
of  time,  thy  only  begotten  Son,  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of 
sons. 

Glory  be  unto  thee,  for  causing  tliy  loving-kindness 
toward  us  to  appear.  Kot  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  according  to  thy  mercy,  thou 
hast  saved  us. 

0  Thou,  who  wast  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto 
thyself,  not  imputing  their  trespasses  unto  them,  forgive 
us  all  our  trespasses.  Through  him  who  was  made  in 
the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  came  to  seek  and  to  save 
tluit  which  was  lost,  have  mercy  upon  us.  By  the  mys- 
tery of  his  holy  incarnation  and  nativity,  good  Lord, 
deliver  us. 

And,  since  thy  blessed  Son  was  manifested  tliat  ho 
miglit  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  to  make  us  the 
children  of  God  and  heirs  of  eternal  life,  grant,  we  be- 
seech thee,  that  having  this  hope,  we  may  purify  our- 
selves, even  as  he  is  pure  ;  and  that,  when  he  shall  come 
again,  in  power  and  great  glory,  we  may  be  made  like 
unto  him,  in  his  eternal  and  glorious  kingdom. 

But  who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming  ?  And 
who  may  stand  when  he  appeareth?  0  thou  compas- 
sionate and  faithful  High  i*riest,  partaker  of  our  tlcsh 
and  blood,  who  wast  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are, 
yet  without  sin,  and  art  not  ashamed  to  call  us  brethren, 
have  j)ity  upon  our  infirmities;  and  grant  unto  us,  that 
we,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies, 
may  serve  thee,  without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righteous- 
ness before  thee,  all  the  days  of  ojir  life. 

Fill  our  hearts  with  love  to  thee  for  the  unspeakable 
gift  which  thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  bestow  upon  a  sinful 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  227 

world  ;  and  dispose  us  alTvays  most  thankfully  to  receive 
the  same. 

Let  the  same  mind,  also,  be  in  us,  which  was  in  Christ 
Jesus ;  who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  and  thinking  it 
not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God,  yet  made  himself  of 
no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant, 
and  was  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  a  man  of  sorrows 
and  acquainted  with  grief. 

Help  us  continually  to  follow  the  example  of  his  great 
humility.  In  lowliness  of  mind  may  we  esteem  others 
better  than  ourselves.  And  give  us  grace  so  to  walk  in 
all  holiness  of  living,  that  we  may  not  be  ashamed  before 
him  at  his  coming. 

We  pray  likewise,  0  heavenly  Father,  that,  through 
thy  tender  mercies,  the  Day-Spring  from  on  high,  which 
hath  visited  us,  may  arise,  and  shine  upon  the  nations 
that  are  sitting  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death, 
to  guide  their  feet  into  the  way  of  peace. 

Grant  that  it  may  both  be  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gen- 
tiles, and  be  the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel. 

And  may  none  of  those  who  behold  it,  love  darkness 
rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds  are  evil. 

liaise  up  faithful  and  able  ministers  of  the  New  Tes- 
tament, to  go  before  the  face  of  the  Lord,  to  prepare 
his  ways,  to  give  knowledge  of  salvation  to  his  people, 
by  the  remission  of  their  sins. 

Pour  down  thy  grace  and  heavenly  benediction  upon 
all  who  are  called  Christians.  May  the  children  of  Zion 
be  joyful  in  their  King  !  And  may  they  so  truly  follow 
the  blessed  steps  of  their  Lord  and  Master,  that  they 
may  be  saved  by  him  in  the  great  day  of  his  appearing 
and  glory.  Grant  this  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our  only 
Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


228  PRAYERS   AND   XnANKSGIVrNOS 

FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SABBATH.  CotttriU 


0  nOLY  and  gracious  Lord  God,  who  wilt  by  no  meana 
clear  the  guilty,  yet  sparest  those  who  confess  their  sing 
unto  thee,  look  down  with  compassion  upon  us,  thy  ser- 
vants, who  are  now  humbled  before  thee,  imploring  thy 
fatherly  forgiveness.  Spare  us,  good  Lord,  spare  us, 
for  we  are  miserable  sinners !  We  cannot  set  all  our 
transgressions  in  order  before  thee,  nor  confess  them  so 
truly  as  we  ought  to  do ;  yet  we  desire  not  to  cloak  and 
dissemble  them  before  thy  face,  0  heavenly  Father, 
trusting  to  thy  word,  that  if  we  confess  our  sins,  thou 
art  faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse 
us  from  all  unrighteousness.  Be  merciful  unto  us,  we 
most  humbly  beseech  thee ;  for  we  put  our  whole  trust 
and  confidence  in  thy  mercy,  and  not  in  anything  that 
we  do.  AVe  have  destroyed  ourselves,  but  in  thee  is  our 
help.  Save,  Lord,  or  we  perish ;  for  there  is  salvation 
in  no  other.  To  whom  else  should  we  go  ?  Thou  only 
hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.  Grant  unto  us,  0  Lord, 
we  beseech  thee,  pardon  and  peace ;  that  we  may  be 
cleansed  from  all  our  sins,  and  may  serve  thee  with  a 
cjuiet  mind. 

We  praise  thee,  0  God,  for  the  multitude  of  thy  bless- 
ings vouchsafed  unto  us,  particularly  for  the  many  op- 
portunities which  thou  affordest  us  of  becoming  wise 
unto  salvation. 

What  shall  we  render  unto  thee  this  day,  fir  all  the 
benefits  which  thou  hast  done  unto  us  ?    We  will  receive 
the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord.    We  will  pay  our  vows  in  the  courts  of  thy  house 
and  in  the  presence  of  all  thy  people. 

We  give  thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks,  0  Al- 
mighty God,  our  heavenly  Father,  for  that  thou  hast 
given  thy  ISon,  our  Saviour  Jcsiis  (Jhrist,  not  only  to  die 
for  us,  but  to  be  our  spiritual  food  and  sustenance  in  the 
lioly  sacrament  of  his  body  and  blood.    Dispose  us  reli- 


FOR  PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  229 

giously  and  devoutly  to  receive  the  same,  in  remem- 
brance of  his  meritorious  cross  and  passion ;  whereby 
alone  we  obtain  the  remission  of  our  sins,  and  are  made 
partakers  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Teach  us  to  con- 
sider the  dignity  of  that  holy  mystery,  and  so  to  search 
and  examine  our  own  consciences,  that  we  may  come 
holy  and  clean  to  such  a  heavenly  feast,  in  the  marriage 
garment  required  by  thee  in  holy  Scripture,  and  may 
be  received  as  Avorthy  partakers  of  that  holy  table. 

INlay  we  spiritually  eat  the  flesh  of  Christ,  and  drink 
his  blood  !  May  we  dwell  in  Christ,  and  Christ  in  us  ! 
May  we  be  one  with  Christ,  and  Christ  with  us !  And 
may  his  body,  which  was  given  for  us,  and  his  precious 
blood,  which  was  shed  upon  the  cross,  preserve  our 
bodies  and  souls  unto  everlasting  life ! 

Mercifully  vouchsafe,  0  Lord,  to  extend  unto  all  our 
fellow-creatures  the  inestimable  benefits  of  Christ's  suf- 
fering and  death. 

Give  grace,  0  heavenly  Father,  to  all  thy  ministering 
servants,  that  they  may,  both  by  their  life  and  doctrine, 
set  forth  thy  true  and  lively  word,  and  rightly  and  duly 
administer  thy  holy  sacraments.  And  to  all  thy  people 
give  thy  heavenly  grace  ;  especially  to  such  as  shall  as- 
semble with  us  in  thy  holy  temple,  and  shall  come  to 
the  holy  communion  of  the  body  and  blood  of  our 
Saviour  Christ.  May  they  diligently  examine  themselves 
before  they  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that  cup,  and 
80  judge  themsclvcf*,  that  they  be  not  judged  of  thee. 
May  they  examine  themselves,  whether  they  repent  truly 
of  their  former  sins,  steadfastly  purpose  to  lead  a  new 
life,  have  a  lively  faith  in  thy  mercies  through  Christ, 
with  a  thankful  remembrance  of  his  death,  and  be  in 
charity  with  all  men.  And  may  numbers  be  added  to 
thy  church  continually,  of  tliose  who  are  willing  to  join 
themselves  unto  thee  in  an  everlasting  covenant,  not  to 
be  forgotten. 

Pitifully  behold  the  sorrows  of  those  Avho  are  filled 
with  groundless  fears,  lest  they  should  eat  and  drink  un- 
ftoithily.     May  they  hear  and  receive  the  comfortable 

U 


230  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

things  which  Christ  our  Saviour  saith  unto  all  Avho  truly 
turn  unto  him.  May  tliey  come  unto  him  la])Ouring  and 
hcavv  hulen  with  tlie  burden  of  their  sins,  and  so  find 
rest  unto  their  souls. 

Finally,  wo  beseech  thee  to  have  compassion  upon 
those  who  shall  most  unthankfully  refuse  to  come  to  thy 
table,  though  so  graciously  called  and  bidden.  May 
they  take  heed,  lest,  by  withdrawing  themselves  from 
this  holy  supper  of  their  Lord,  they  provoke  his  just 
indignation  against  them.  May  they  earnestly  consider 
how  little  their  excuses  will  avail  before  thee,  and  by 
thy  grace  be  brought  to  a  better  mind  ;  seriously  remem- 
bering, that  if  they  eat  not  tlie  flesh  of  the  Son  of  man, 
and  drink  not  his  blood,  they  have  no  life  in  them,  and 
neither  part  nor  lot  in  his  salvation. 

Grant  this,  0  God  of  mercy,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  kc. 


FOR  A  SACRAMENT  SABBATH.  CotterilL 


Almighty  God  and  Father,  who,  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies,  dost  so  put  away  tlie  sins  of 
those  wlio  truly  repent,  that  thou  rememberest  them  no 
more,  open  thine  eye  of  mercy  upon  us,  thy  servants, 
who  earnestly  desire  thy  pardon  and-forgiveness.  Renew 
in  us,  0  hoavenly  Father,  whatever  hath  been  decayed 
by  the  fraud  and  malice  of  the  devil,  and  by  our  own 
carnal  will  and  frailty.  And  forasmuch  as  we  put  our 
full  trust  and  confidence  in  thee,  impute  not  unto  u.? 
our  manifold  transgressions,  but  wash  them  away  in  the 
blood  of  thy  beloved  Son.  Graciously  vouchsafe  to  re- 
ceive us  to  thy  favour.  Sanctify  us  and  strengthcu  us 
by  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  and  at  lengtli  bring  us  unto  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  and  to  everlasting  life. 

We  praise  thee  for  thy  promises  of  forgiveness  to 
those  who  truly  turn  unto  thee. 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  231 

"We  bless  thee  for  another  day  of  sacred  rest,  which 
thou  hast  vouchsafed  unto  us,  and  for  all  the  blessings 
of  the  same. 

Above  all  things,  we  give  thee  most  humble  and 
hearty  thanks  for  the  redemption  of  the  world  by  the 
death  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  May  we 
always  remember  the  exceeding  great  love  of  our  Mas- 
ter and  only  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  thus  dying  for  us, 
and  the  innumerable  benefits  which,  by  his  precious 
blood-shedding,  he  hath  obtained  unto  us,  and  also  his 
goodness  and  loving-kindness  in  instituting  and  ordain- 
ing holy  ordinances  as  pledges  of  his  love,  to  our  great 
and  endless  comfort. 

Grant  that  we,  who  have  eaten  and  drunk  in  thy  pre- 
fience,  may  receive  the  strengthening  and  refreshing  of 
our  souls  by  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ.  Help  us  to 
remember  the  solemn  vows  which  we  have  this  day  re- 
newed in  thy  presence,  and  in  the  presence  of  all  thy 
people  ;  and  enable  us  truly  to  perform  them.  May  we 
go  forth  into  the  world  bearing  about  us  the  marks  of  a 
crucified  Saviour.  Having  enlisted  ourselves  again  under 
the  1)anners  of  the  Captain  of  our  salvation,  may  we 
manfully  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  and  continue  his 
faithful  soldiers  and  servants  unto  our  lives'  end.  Grant 
that  we  may  have  power  and  strength  to  have  victory, 
and  to  triumph  against  the  devil,  and  the  world,  and  the 
flesh.  May  we  be  encouraged  in  our  holy  warfare  by 
tlie  ensamples  of  the  glorious  company  of  the  apostles, 
the  goodly  fellowship  of  the  prophets,  the  noble  army 
of  martju's,  and  of  all  the  holy  church  triumphant,  who 
liave  been  made  more  than  conquerors  tlirough  him  who 
loved  them,  and  bought  them  with  his  blood. 

As  thou  hast  knit  together  thine  elect  in  one  commu- 
nion and  fellowship,  in  the  mystical  body  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  ;  grant  us  grace  so  to  follow  thy 
blessed  saints  in  all  virtuous  and  holy  living,  that  we 
may  enter  into  those  unspeakable  joys,  which  thou  hast 
orepared  for  them  that  unfeignedly  love  thee.     And 


232  PRAYEUS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

when  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints,  anJ  to  be 
admired  in  all  them  that  believe,  may  ^ve  sit  down  "vvith 
Altraliam,  Lsaac,  and  Jacob,  and  all  thy  redeemed  peo- 
ple, at  tlie  marriage  supper  of  the  Lamb. 

Grant,  also,  0  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that  those 
who  have  waited  on  thee  this  day  in  thy  holy  tem- 
ple, and  around  thy  table,  may  renew  their  spiritual 
strength. 

May  all  men  see  that  they  are  thy  disciples,  by  the 
love  which  they  have  one  to  another.  0  God,  who  haat 
taught  us  that  all  our  doings  without  charity  are  nothing 
worth,  send  thy  Holy  Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts 
that  most  excellent  gift  of  love,  the  very  bond  of  peace 
and  of  all  virtues,  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is 
counted  dead  before  thee.  Let  there  be  no  schism  in 
the  body  of  Christ ;  but  let  the  members  have  the  same 
care  one  of  another,  knowing,  that  if  any  sin  against 
tlieir  brother,  and  wound  his  weak  conscience,  they  sin 
against  Christ. 

And  since  the  offence  of  the  cross  is  not  ceased,  com- 
fort and  succour  all  those  who  may  any  ways  suffer  from 
love  to  thee  and  thy  cause.  Hide  them  under  thy  wing. 
Enable  them  to  witness  a  good  confession,  and  to  give 
no  just  occasion  to  their  enemies  to  blaspheiue.  By  well- 
doing, let  them  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
men,  in  meekness  instructing  those  that  oppose  them- 
pclves,  if  peradvcnture  thou  mayest  give  them  repentance 
to  the  acknowledging  of  tlie  truth. 

Convert  the  hearts  of  all  those  who  are  thrusting 
away  from  them  thy  great  mercies :  especially  of  such 
as  have  this  day  neglected  thy  ordinances,  and  turned 
aside  from  thy  holy  table. 

And,  if  any  have  there  appeared  before  thee  witli  un- 
clean hands  and  unsanctific*!  hearts,  without  the  mar- 
''riage-garmcnt  required  by  thee  in  holy  scri|)ture,  no* 
discerning  the  Lord's  body,  may  they  search  and  examine 
their  conscience,  and  repcuit ;  lest,  after  the  taking  of 
this  holy  sacruuicnt,  Satan  enter  into  them  as  he  entered 


FOR   PARTICUL^VR   OCCASIOJTS.  233 

into  Judas,  and  fill  them  fall  of  all  iniquity,  and  bring 
them  to  destruction  both  of  body  and  soul. 

We  ask  these  blessings  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  only  Lord  and  Saviour. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


FAST  DAY.— MORNING.  Jenks. 

0  Lord  God,  glorious  in  holiness,  and  of  purer  eyes 
than  to  behold  any  iniquity  without  abhorrence  of  it, 
and  indignation  against  it !  How  shall  man,  sinful  man, 
that  drinks  in  iniquity  like  water,  appear  before  thee  ? 
And  how  shall  we,  vile  and  frail,  polluted  and  depraved 
as  we  are,  show  ourselves  in  the  presence  of  such  a  great 
and  wise,  just  and  holy  God,  as  thou  art  ?  When  we 
look  upon  thy  perfect  law,  and  see  what  we  should  be, 
what  manner  of  persons,  in  all  holy  conversation  and 
godliness ;  and  when  we  reflect  on  our  own  hearts  and 
lives,  and  find  what  we  are ;  how  wanting  in  our  duty, 
and  how  contrary  to  that  holy  rule  which  thou  dost  pre- 
scribe to  us,  by  which  to  keep  our  hearts  and  to  order 
our  conversation  ;  we  cannot  come  into  thy  presence,  0 
Lord,  Avithout  confusion  of  face,  and  anguish  of  soul,  and 
remorse  of  conscience,  to  think  how  foolishly  and  wick- 
edly we  have  done ;  and  how  abject  and  wretched  we 
have  made  ourselves. 

We  have  not  glorified  thee,  0  Lord,  in  bearing  fruits 
of  holiness  answerable  to  thy  revealed  will,  and^o  thy 
love;  but  we  desire  to  give  glory  to  God,  in  confessing 
our  sins,  and  humbling  our  souls,  and  acknowledging 
our  desert  of  all  thy  judgments  ;  and  admiring  and  mag- 
nifying the  riches  of  that  grace  and  mercy,  which  has 
spared  us  so  long  a  time,  and  showed  us  such  marvellous 
kindness  still,  notwithstanding  all  the  high  provocations 
of  our  sins.  AVith  thee,  our  God,  there  is  mercy,  that 
thou  maycst  be  feared  ;  that  our  sins,  though  great  and 
manifold,  may  be  pardoned  ;  and  that  our  souls  may  be 
recovered  and  healed,  and  eternally  saved :  0  help  us 

U2  ^ 


234  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSQIVINQS 

BO  to  judge  ourselves,  that  we  may  not  be  judged  of  the 
Lord,  to  be  condemned  with  the  world ;  and  so  to  lay 
our  sins  to  heart,  that  thou  mayest  never  lav  them  to 
our  charge,  but  upon  the  account  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour; 
whom  thou  hast  given  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins; 
and  in  whom  thou  art  a  God  gracious  and  merciful  to 
poor  sinners ;  that  deserve  nothing  at  all  from  thee,  but 
to  be  forsaken  and  abhorred  by  thee.  For  liis  sake,  0 
God !  give  us  repentance  and  jiardon  for  all  that  is  past, 
wherein  we  have  oifeuded  tliee ;  Avhether  they  be  oui 
sins  of  omission  or  commission ;  sins  of  weakness  oi 
wilfulness ;  failings  or  presumptions ;  the  sins  of  igno- 
rance, or  such  as  we  have  connnitted  ao-ainst  li<rht  and 
knowledge  ;  0  gracious  Lord,  humble  us  duly  under  the 
sense  of  them,  and  absolve  us  thoroughly  from  the  guilt 
of  them.  0  set  our  sins  in  order  before  us,  and  make 
us  to  know  our  transgressions,  and  the  evil  of  our  own 
hearts ;  and  every  one  of  us  so  to  search  and  try  our 
ways,  that  Ave  may  turn  to  the  Lord,  and  bring  forth 
fruits  meet  for  repentance  ;  and  not  only  loathe  ourselves 
in  our  own  sight,  for  the  evils  whereof  avc  have  been 
guilty ;  but  also  loathe,  as  much  as  ever  Ave  have  loved, 
the  things  Avhich  displease  thy  holy  will,  and  dishonour 
thy  blessed  name.  0  that  Ave  may  forsake  our  sins,  not 
only  in  the  outward  commission,  but  in  the  inward  affec- 
tion ;  not  reserving  to  ourselves  any  sin  or  lust  to  be 
spared,  nor  any  Avay  of  Avickedness,  Avhcrein  avc  Avould 
be  alloAved  ;  but  keeping  at  that  distance  Avhich  thy  holy 
word  teaches  to  keep,  from  every  evil  and  accursed 
thing,  that  is  abomination  in  thy  sight,  and  destructive 
to  our  souls  ;  and  cleansing  ourselves  fioni  all  liltliines? 
of  flesh  and  spirit,  endeavouring  to  ])erfect  holiness  in 
the  fear  of  God. 

0  pour  out  a  sjiirit  of  serious  repentance  and  reforma- 
tion upon  the  Avhole  nation ;  to  heal  the  distempers  of 
our  souls,  to  curb  the  disorders  of  our  lives,  and  to  reco- 
ver the  decayed  power  of  godliness  in  the  land;  a?id  so 
prepare  and  disj)ose  us  not  only  for  thy  temporal  niei*- 
oies,  but   for  the   mercy  of  our   Lord  Jesus  Christ   to 


FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS.  235 

eternal  life.  Help  us  so  to  turn  from  tlio  evil  of  our 
ways,  that  thou  mayest  turn  from  the  fierceness  of  thy 
wrath,  and  cause  thy  anger  towards  us  to  cease.  0  that 
we  may  fear  the  rod,  and  who  has  appointed  it !  And  so 
prepare  to  meet  thee,  our  God,  in  the  way  of  thy  judg- 
ments, that  the  God  of  peace  may  think  thoughts  of 
peace  to  us,  and  not  of  evil ;  and  to  give  us  an  unex- 
pected end,  and  the  desired  issue,  of  all  our  fears  and 
dangers. 

Thou  canst  show  us  great  and  mighty  things,  which 
we  know  not,  and  exceed  all  our  expectations,  as  well  as 
our  deservings,  by  thy  bountiful  favours :  and  though 
thou  mightest  make  us  know  the  worth  of  slighted  mer- 
cies by  their  want,  and  deprive  us  of  all  the  good  which 
we  have  so  little  improved,  and  so  greatly  abused :  yet, 
0  how  many  promises  of  thy  word,  and  what  frequent 
experience,  which  we  have  had  of  thy  mercy,  in  time  of 
our  need,  do  encourage  us  still  with  hope  to  look  unto 
thee,  our  God,  and  to  wait  for  the  salvation  of  the  Lord ! 
0  how  long,  in  all  our  provocations,  hast  thou  spared  us ! 
And  how  often,  in  our  distresses,  sent  wonderful  redemp- 
tion to  us !  And  to  thee,  who  hast  helped  and  delivered, 
in  time  past,  do  we  look  still  for  help  and  deliverance. 
0,  our  God,  be  thou  pleased  to  help  and  deliver  us,  for 
the  glory  of  that  mercy  which  first  made  us  thy  people, 
and  still  has  owned  us  for  thy  peculiar  care.  0  do  not 
abhor  us,  nor  forsake  us,  for  thy  name's  sake ;  but  be 
jealous  for  thy  land,  and  pity  thy  people.  Turn  us 
again,  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  and  cause  thy  face  to  shine, 
and  Ave  shall  be  saved. 

Either  in  mercy  turn  away  the  evils  from  us ;  or  pre- 
pare us  for  them,  and  support  us  under  them,  and  bring 
us  happily  out  of  them ;  that  we  may  not  sink  and 
perish  in  them,  but  find  spiritual  good,  by  temporal  evils ; 
and  find  the  light  momentary  afilictions  to  work  for  us 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory ;  and 
all  things  concurring  to  promote  our  grace  and  our 
peace  with  God,  through  Jesus  Christ.  And  though 
thou  shouldst  feed  us  with  bread  of  adversity,  and  water 


236  PRAYERS   AND   TnANKSGIVINOS 

of  aflliction,  yet  let  not  our  teachers  be  removed ;  nor 
bring  us  under  a  famine  of  the  wor(i  of  the  Lord ;  nor 
give  us  over  to  the  formality  of  a  lifeless  profession ; 
under  all  the  means  of  grace,  to  send  leanness  into  our 
soul.  Though  thou  permit  the  floods  and  storms  to  arise 
and  increase,  yet  fortify  us  so  by  thy  grace,  that  wc 
may  not  be  moved  by  any  of  those  alliictions,  so  as  to 
turn  the  blessed  advantage  of  suffering  for  thee  into  an 
occasion  of  falling  from  thee. 

0  help  us,  Lord,  to  rid  our  hands  and  our  hearts  of 
all  the  accui'sed  things  that  provoke  thy  wrath  and  in- 
dignation against  us.  And  let  us  wisely  consider  of  thy 
doings,  and  know  the  time  of  our  visitation,  and  hearken 
to  the  calls,  and  take  the  warnings,  and  improve  the 
means  and  mercies  vouchsafed  to  us,  while  we  have  them ; 
and  follow  the  conduct  of  thy  good  providence,  and 
comply  with  all  thy  gracious  methods  used  to  reclaim  U3 
from  our  sins,  and  to  reform  our  lives,  and  save  our 
souls ;  that  all  may  not  be  in  vain  to  us,  but  at  least 
effect  the  purpose  of  thy  saving  mercy  upon  us ;  to  de- 
liver us  from  the  evils  to  come,  and  to  set  us  safe  into 
the  hands  of  Jesus  Christ,  oui'  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


FAST   DAY.— EVENING.  J„y. 

0  God,  thou  hast  established  thy  throne  in  the 
heavens,  and  thy  kingdom  rulcth  over  all.  We  prostrate 
ourselves  before  thee,  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
the  vastnesK  of  thy  agency  and  dDUiinion.  Thou  changest 
the  times  ami  the  seasons;  tiiou  removest  kings,  antl 
Bettest  up  kings.  Empires  rise  and  fall,  and  fade  and 
flourish,  at  thy  bidding :  and  all  nations  arc  in  thy  hand, 
but  us  clay  in  the  haiul  of  the  potter. 

Jjut  none  of  thy  dispensations  are  arbitrary.  Wliat- 
ever  thou  doest,  is  done  Iteeause,  ()  l''ather,  it  seeuicth 
good  in  thy  sight;  and  thy  Judgment  is  always  accord- 
ing to  truth.     Thou  art  holy  in  all  thy  ways,  and  right- 


FOR   TARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  237 

cous  in  all  thy  works — and  thou  art  good  ;  even  in  wrath 
thou  remembcrest  mercy,  and  dost  not  afflict  willingly, 
nor  grieve  the  children  of  men. 

Therefore  it  is,  that  we  have  been  this  day  humbling 
ourselves  in  thy  presence. 

For  we  acknowledge  that  we  have  been  deeply  guilty. 
Thou  hast  nourished  and  brought  up  children,  but  we 
have  rebelled  against  thee.  The  ox  knoweth  his  owner, 
and  the  ass  his  master's  crib  ;  but  we  have  not  known, 
we  have  not  considered.  Thou  hast  given  us  our  corn, 
and  wine,  and  oil,  and  multi})lied  our  silver  and  gold; 
and  we  have  prepared  them  for  Baal.  Because  of  swear- 
ing, the  land  has  mourned.  Pride  has  compassed  us 
about  as  a  chain.  Discontent  has  rebelled  against  thine 
appointments.  How  has  the  love  of  money,  which  is 
the  root  of  all  evil,  abounded  among  us.  How  have  thy 
Sabbaths  been  profaned,  and  thy  ordinances  disregarded. 
How  has  the  gospel  been  undervalued,  neglected,  despised. 

And  all  our  transgressions  have  been  more  aggravated 
than  those  of  any  other  people,  because  thou  hast 
favoured  us  unspeakably  more  than  all  the  families  of 
the  earth. 

Therefore  thou  couldest  easily  and  justly  have  de- 
Btroyed  us ;  but  thou  hast  not  stirred  up  all  thy  wrath. 
In  all  that  has  come  upon  us,  for  our  evil  deeds,  thou 
hast  punished  us  less  than  our  iniquities  deserve.  Yet 
thou  liast  testified  thy  displeasure,  and  visited  us  with 
thy  judgments ;  so  that  when  we  looked  for  light  and 
peace,  we  have  seen  darkness  and  trouble. 

0,  let  us  not  be  inattentive  to  the  design  of  thy  deal- 
ings, or  insensible  under  thy  rebukes.  0,  let  it  not  be 
said  of  us  as  it  was  of  the  Jews,  the  harp,  and  the  viol, 
and  the  tabret,  and  pipe,  and  wine  are  in  their  feasts, 
but  they  regard  not  tlie  word  of  the  Lord,  neither  con- 
sider the  operation  of  his  hand.  Thou  hast  stricken 
them,  but  they  have  not  grieved ;  thou  hast  consumed 
them,  but  they  have  refused  to  receive  correction ;  they' 
have  mad6  their  faces  harder  than  the  rock ;  they  have 
refused  to  return. 


238  rRAYF.as  axd  thanksgivings 

In  the  vraj  of  thj  judgments,  0  Lord,  may  -we  wait 
for  thee.  Thou  hast  said.  Is  any  afflicted  ?  let  iiim  pray. 
Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  I  -svill  deliver 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.  Fulfil  the  -word  unto 
thy  servants,  upon  which  thou  hast  caused  us  to  hope. 
And  0,  let  not  the  calamitj-  be  removed  only,  but  above 
all,  sanctified ;  let  it  appear  that  we  have  heard  the  rod, 
and  him  that  appointeth  it :  and  be  able  to  say.  It  is 
good  for  us  that  we  have  been  afilictcd. 

For  which  purpose,  bless,  we  beseech  thee,  the  word 
of  thy  grace,  which  has  been  spoken ;  and  grant  that 
the  professed  humiliation  of  the  day  may  be  real  —  for 
thou  lookest  to  the  heart.  And  let  it  also  be  universal ; 
may  it  extend  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest ;  may  it 
pervade  every  part  of  our  country ;  may  it  enter  every 
church,  and  every  fjxmily  —  let  none  of  us  lose  sight  of" 
ourselves  in  the  public  calamity.  May  each  individual 
retire  and  ask,  What  have  I  done,  and  what  wilt  thou 
have  me  to  do  ?  And  though  other  lords  have  had  do- 
minion over  us,  henceforth,  by  thee  only,  may  we  make 
mention  of  thy  name. 

Regard  the  government  under  which  we  live,  and  the 
magistracy  of  the  land — may  all  be  wise  in  counsel,  ex- 
emplary in  conduct,  and  faithful  to  their  trust. 

And  thus  may  we  be  reformed,  and  not  destroyed. 
Thus  may  we  be  a  holy,  that  we  may  be  a  happy  people, 
whose  God  is  the  Lord,  lleturn,  0  Lord,  how  long  ? 
and  let  it  repent  thee  concerning  thy  servants.  0, 
Batisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy,  that  we  may  rejoice  and 
be  glad  all  our  days.  Make  us  glad  according  to  tho 
days  wherein  thou  hast  afllicted  us,  and  the  years  where- 
in we  have  seen  evil.  Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy 
servants ;  and  thy  glory  unto  their  children.  And  let 
the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us ;  and  es- 
tablish thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us ;  yea,  the 
work  of  our  hands,  establish  thou  it. 

And  to  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be 
rendered  the  kingdom,  power,  and  glory,  for  ever  and 
«vor.     Amen. 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  239 


IN  TIME  OF  PESTILENCE.  Jtnk$. 

0  Lord  Gop,  the  giver  of  our  health,  it  is  only  of  thy 
mercy  that  we  have  so  much  health  continued,  after  the 
manner  in  which  we  have  lived.  And  0  how  just  were 
it  with  thee,  utterly  to  take  away  that  health  from  us 
which  we  have  so  greatly  abused  to  a  forgetfulness  of 
thee,  and  wantonness  against  thee  !  How  justly  might- 
est  thou  smite  us  with  the  most  sharp  and  noisome  dis- 
eases, which  our  nature  most  abhorreth  :  to  hurry  us  out 
of  the  land  of  the  living,  and  put  a  sorrowful  end  to  our 
wretched  days  !  Our  flesh  trembles  for  fear  of  thee,  and 
we  are  afraid  of  thy  judgments,  lest  thou  shouldst  striko 
into  us  the  arrows  of  the  Almighty,  for  the  poison  therC" 
of  to  drink  up  our  spirits  :  lest  thou  shouldst  give  unto 
death  a  command  to  come  in  at  our  doors,  and  sweep  us 
away  with  the  besom  of  destruction.  But,  0  thou  Hope 
of  Israel,  the  Saviour  thereof  in  time  of  trouble  !  regard 
not  our  ill  deserts ;  but  remember  thy  own  tender  mer- 
cies, and  gracious  promises ;  and  take  pity  on  us,  and 
turn  away  this  plague  from  us.  Put  a  stop  to  the  rag- 
ing pestilence,  and  say  to  the  destroying  angel.  It  is 
enough.  That  so  we  may  not  be  afraid  of  the  terror  by 
night,  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flies  by  day ;  nor  for  the 
pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness  ;  nor  for  the  destruc- 
tion that  wastcth  at  noon  day  :  but  with  calmness  in  our 
minds,  and  gladness  in  our  hearts,  may  serve  thee  faith- 
fully and  cheerfully  all  our  days  :  and  devote  our  spared 
lives,  which  we  have  begged  at  thy  hands,  and  our 
health  and  every  mercy,  to  thy  honour  and  glory ; 
through  the  strength  and  the  righteousness  of  thy  dear 
Son,  our  most  compassionate  and  prevailing  Mediator, 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


FOR  RAIN.  Jenkt. 


We  confess,  0  Lord,  that  we  have  so  greatly  abused 
the  comforts  of  thy  good  creatui'cs,  that  thou  mightest 


240  PRAYERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 

justly  -withdravT  tliem  from  us,  and  make  the  lieavena 
over  us  as  brass,  and  the  rain  of  our  hind  dust,  and  tho 
land  itself  to  mourn,  and  all  that  grows  upon  it  to  wither. 
But  0  thou  Father  of  mercies,  Avho  in  judgment  remem 
berest  mercy,  consult  not  now  our  merits,  but  thy  own 
mercies,  how  to  use  us.  Thou  tliat  hast  the  bottles  and 
treasures  of  heaven  at  thy  command,  be  pleased  now  to 
open  the  windows  of  heaven,  and  cause  the  rain  to  come 
down  in  its  season  ;  making  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle, 
and  herbs  and  fruits  of  the  earth  for  the  service  of  men. 
And  however  thou  art  pleased  to  deal  with  us,  0  sup- 
press all  our  ropinings  at  any  of  thy  dealings:  and  let 
them  all  amend  and  better  us :  and  make  us  a  people 
prepared  to  receive  the  mercies  which  we  want,  and  Avait 
and  beg  for,  at  thy  gracious  hands,  u\)on  the  account  of 
Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 


FOR  FAIR  WEATHER.  Jc,ik» 

Lord,  if  thou  shouldst  turn  a  fruitful  land  into  bar- 
renness, for  the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  therein  • 
yet  righteous  Avert  thou,  and  just  Avould  be  thy  judg- 
ments ;  and  avc  must  not  open  our  mouths  to  reply  againsf 
God ;  but  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  which  our 
eins  haA'c  so  much  deserved;  Avhcn  our  iniquities  have 
turned  aAvay  the  blessings,  and  Avithholdcn  the  good 
things  from  us.  But,  0  Father  of  mercies,  spare  us, 
and  forgive  us,  for  thy  own  mercy's  sake  ;  and  put  a  stop 
to  tlie  calamity  that  threatens  (lestructi(Ui  to  the  Avorks 
of  thy  hands  ;  that  the  rain  Avhich  is  thy  blessing  may 
not  be  turned  into  a  curse  ;  nor  descend  from  heaven  to 
corrupt  and  spoil  the  fruits  of  tlie  earth.  0  cause  tho 
overlluwing  shoAvers  to  cease,  Avhich  damp  the  joy  of  tho 
harvest,  and  endanger  the  blasting  of  our  blessings. 
And  as  thou  hast  given  us  plenty,  and  caused  our  land 
to  yield  its  increase,  so  give  us,  avc  pray  thee,  a  season- 
able time  to  gather  in  the  fruits  Avhicli  thy  bounty  hae 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  241 

provided  for  us  ;  that  in  the  use  of  them  we  may  joyfully 
and  cheerfully  serve  thee  ;  and  not  consume  them  upon 
our  lusts,  but  live  to  thy  glory,  as  we  do  upon  thy 
bounty.  And  when  thy  judgments  are  in  the  land,  0 
that  we,  who  inhabit  it,  may  learn  righteousness  !  nor  let 
our  anxieties  be  so  great  for  our  bodies  as  for  our  souls ; 
that  however  we  fare  here,  it  may  go  well  with  us  for- 
ever. 0  let  us  not  labour  for  the  meat  that  perisheth, 
but  for  that  which  endures  to  everlasting  life ;  which 
everlasting  provision  for  our  unchangeable  condition, 
above  all  we  beg  at  thy  hands,  0  Lord  God  our  hea- 
venly Father,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  only 
Saviour.    Amen. 


UNDER  FAMILY  AFFLICTION.  CotterilL 

MORNING   OR   EVENING. 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  mercies  and  the  God 
of  all  consolation,  our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  we  flee 
unto  thee  for  succour  in  this  season  of  tribulation  aud 
distress.  Out  of  the  deeps  we  call  unto  thee,  0  Lord. 
Lord,  hear  our  voice.  0  let  thine  ears  consider  well  the 
voice  of  our  complaint. 

We  acknowledge,  0  God,  that  for  our  iniquities  we 
are  visited,  and  for  our  sins  are  we  troubled.  We  are 
born  to  trouble  as  the  sparks  fly  upward,  because  we 
have  been  transgressors  from  the  womb.  And  if  thou 
shouldst  be  extreme  to  mark  what  we  have  done  amiss, 
our  present  sorrows  would  only  be  the  beginning  of 
Borrows  which  should  know  no  end.  Wherefore  should 
a  living  man  complain  ?  a  man  for  the  punishment  of 
liis  sins  ? 

But  thou  art  gracious  and  merciful ;  full  of  compas- 
sion and  of  great  goodness.  Thou  hast  not  dealt  with 
us  according  to  our  sins :  nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our 
iniquities.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  thou  not  only  hast 
opened  unto  us  a  way  of  escape  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
11  V 


242  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

but  hast  merclfullj  ordained  the  sufferings  of  the  p"«- 
sent  life  to  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
thee. 

Thy  wise  providence  ordereth  all  things  both  in  hea- 
ven and  earth.  Not  a  sparrow  falleth  to  the  ground 
without  thy  knowledge  and  appointment ;  and  the  very 
hairs  of  our  head  are  all  numljercd.  Thou  assurest  us, 
that  thou  dost  not  Avillingly  afflict  or  grieve  the  children 
of  men,  but  for  their  profit,  that  they  may  be  partake 'S 
of  thy  holiness.  Whom  thou  lovest,  thou  chastenest  ' 
and  scourgcst  every  son  whom  thou  receivcst. 

Thou  alflictest  us  to  humble  us,  and  to  prove  us,  and 
to  know  what  is  in  our  hearts  ;  and  whether  we  will  love 
thee,  and  keep  thy  commandments,  or  no. 

Give  us  grace  therefore  to  consider,  in  this  day  of  our 
adversity,  wherefore  thou  contendest  with  us,  and  art 
■wroth.  Let  us  not  despise  thy  chastening,  nor  faint 
when  we  are  rebuked  of  thee ;  nor  be  weary  of  thy  cor- 
rection. But  let  us  be  still,  and  know  that  thou  art  God. 
In  patience  enable  us  to  possess  our  souls.  Grant  that 
our  tribulation  may  work  patience ;  and  patience  expe- 
rience ;  and  experience  hope ;  and  our  hope,  let  it  not 
make  ashamed ;  but  let  thy  love  be  shed  abroad  in  our 
hearts,  through  the  Holy  Ghost  given  unto  us.  Let  us 
not  cast  away  our  confidence,  which  hath  great  recom- 
pense of  reward.  Though  troubled  on  every  side,  let  us 
not  be  distressed ;  though  perplexed,  lot  us  not  be  in 
despair  ;  though  cast  down,  let  us  not  be  destroyed.  And 
be  pleased  to  cause  our  light  afflictions,  which  are  but  for 
a  moment,  to  work  out  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory  ;  while  we  look  not  at  the  things 
that  are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen :  for 
the  things  which  are  seen,  are  temporal ;  but  the  things 
which  are  not  seen,  are  eternal.  Though  no  chastening 
for  the  present  seemeth  to  be  joyous,  but  grievous  ;  yet 
afterwards  let  it  yield  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteous- 
ness unto  us  who  are  now  exercised  thereby.  Grant 
that  we  may  find  it  good  to  be  afflicted,  and  see  that 
ihou,  of  very  faithfulness,  hast  caused  us  to  be  in  trouble. 


FOR  PARTICULAll  OCCASIONS.  243 

A-rid  whenever  it  may  please  thee  to  deliver  us  out  of 
the  miseries  of  this  sinful  world,  of  thy  gracious  good- 
ness receive  us  into  that  blessed  kingdom,  where  thou 
shalt  wipe  away  all  tears  from  our  eyes ;  where  there 
shall  be  no  more  death,  neither  sorroAv  nor  crying,  nei- 
ther shall  there  be  any  more  pain  ;  for  the  former  things 
are  passed  away. 

We  beseech  thee,  also,  0  Lord,  to  have  compassion  on 
our  brethren  and  companions  in  tribulation. 

Have  mercy  upon  all  sick  persons  ;  and  make  all  their 
bed  in  their  sickness.  Eternal  God,  be  thou  their  refuge, 
and  place  underneath  them  thy  everlasting  arms.  Look 
graciously  upon  them,  0  Lord ;  and  the  more  the  out- 
ward man  decayeth,  strengthen  them,  we  beseech  thee, 
so  much  the  more  continually,  by  thy  grace  and  Holy 
Spirit,  in  the  inward  man.  Give  them  unfeigned  repent- 
ance for  all  the  sins  of  their  past  lives,  and  steadfast 
faith  in  thy  Son  Jesus ;  that  their  sins  may  be  done 
aAvay  by  thy  mercy,  and  their  pardon  sealed  in  heaven, 
before  they  go  hence,  and  are  no  more  seen. 

We  commend  into  thy  hands,  as  into  the  hands  of  a 
faithful  Creator  and  most  merciful  Saviour,  the  souls  of 
those  who  are  departing  this  life  ;  most  humbly  beseech- 
ing thee,  that  they  may  be  precious  in  thy  sight.  Wash 
them,  we  pray  thee,  in  the  blood  of  that  spotless  Lamb 
which  was  slain  to  take  away  the  sins  of  the  world ;  that 
whatsoever  defilements  they  may  have  contracted  in  the 
midst  of  this  miserable  and  wicked  world,  through  the 
lusts  of  the  flesh  or  the  wiles  of  Satan,  being  purged  and 
done  away,  they  may  be  presented  pure  and  without  spot 
before  thee. 

Be  gracious  also  unto  thy  people  who  are  weeping, 
and  refuse  to  be  comforted  for  the  loss  of  beloved  friends 
and  relations,  departed  this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear. 
Let  them  not  be  sorry,  as  men  without  hope,  for  those 
that  sleep  in  thee :  but  comfort  them  with  the  joyful 
expectation,  that  they  shall  see  each  other  again  at  the 
resurrection  in  the  last  day. 

May  it  please  thee,  likewise,  to  defend  and  provide 


244  PRAYERS   AND   TIIANKSGIVINaS 

fur  the  fatherless  children  and  widows,  and  all  that  ar 
desolate  and  oppressed. 

And,  since  many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous, 
Lord,  remember  them  and  all  their  troubles.  Regard 
those  who  are  in  heaviness  through  manifold  tempta- 
tions. Graciously  hear  us,  that  those  evils  which  the 
craft  and  subtilty  of  the  devil  or  man  worketh  against 
them  be  brought  to  nought,  and  by  the  providence  of 
thy  goodness  they  may  be  dispersed  ;  that  they,  thy  ser- 
vants, being  hurt  by  no  persecutions,  may  evermore  give 
thanks  unto  thee,  and  glorify  thy  name. 

Finally,  we  commend  to  thy  fatherly  goodness  all 
those  who  are  any  ways  afflicted  or  distressed  in  mind, 
body,  or  estate.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  comfort  and 
relieve  them,  according  to  their  several  necessities  ;  giv'- 
ing  them  patience  under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy 
issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions. 

[Hear  us,  especially,  in  behalf  of  thy  servant,  for  whom 
we  desire  especially  to  pray.  We  look  up  unto  thee,  O 
thou  compassionate  Saviour,  who  wast  thyself  a  man  of 
sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief.  0  thou,  who  didst 
•weep  at  the  tomb  of  Lazarus,  and  art  still  touched  with 
the  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  pitifully  behold  the  sor- 
rows of  our  hearts,  and  graciously  look  upon  our  afflic- 
tions. 0  thou,  who,  of  old,  didst  cure  all  manner  of 
sickness,  and  all  manner  of  disease  among  the  people,  be 
gracious  unto  us.  Let  not  this  sickness  be  unto  death  ; 
but  for  the  glory  of  thy  name.  Speak  the  word  only, 
and  thy  servant  shall  be  healed.  Have  mercy  upon 
Am,  0  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  him;  and  not  on  him 
only,  but  on  us  also,  lest  we  should  have  sorrow  upon 
sorrow.  If  it  bo  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  away  from 
us,  without  our  drinking  all  its  bitterness ;  but,  if  not, 
thy  will  be  done.  Only  be  pleased  to  sanctify  this  thy 
fatherly  correction  to  him,  that  the  sense  of  his  weak- 
ness may  add  strength  to  hin  faith,  and  efficacy  to  his 
repentance  ;  that,  if  it  should  be  thy  good  pleasure  to 
restore  liitn  to  his  former  health,  lie  may  lead  the  lesidue 
of  his  life  in  thy  fear  and  to  thy  glory  ;  or  else  give  him 


FOR  PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  245 

grace  80  to  take  thy  visitation,  that  after  this  painful  life 
IS  ended   he  may  dwell  with  thee  in  life  everlasting..! 

And  this  we  beg  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 

Our  Father,  &c. 


FOR  A  SICK  CHILD.  j,„4, 

0  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  the  only  giver  and 
preserver  of  hfe  in  every  living  soil;  the  Jnfall    t   as 
^ ell  as  the  greatest,  are  thy  work  and  thy  care;  ind 
neither  without  the  compass  of 'thy  providence,  nor  be- 
ow  the  notice  and  regard  of  our  heavenly  Father,  who, 
though  so  great  above  all,  yet  despiseth  not  an;.'     0 
Lord,  let  thy  thoughts  be  full  of  pity  and  tender  mercy 
0  this  poor  sick  child,  for  whose  afflictions  we  are  now 
concerned;  and  send  him  that  relief  and  comfort  fVom 
above,  which  none  of  us  are  able  to  give.    Either  lighten 
the    oad,  or  increase  the  strength  to  bear  it;  and  deal^ 
gently  and  graciously  with  hil,  0  Lord,  beyond  wha 
we  are  worthy  to  ask  at  thy  hands,  even  for  thy  o4 
goodness  and  mercy's  sake.     Spare  Mm,  0  Father  of 
mercies,  and  grant  Am  ease  and^-elease  from  hi       ou- 
ble;  yea  make  haste  to  deliver  him,  we  beseech  thee- 
and  in  submission  to  thy  will  we  beg  'the  recovery  of  /2 
ealth,  and  the  continuance  of  A z?  life,  to  be  spent  in 
thy  fear,  and  to  thy  praise,  that  he  ma^  continue  to  do 

St  ir""'  "f  ^'^r^  '}''  Sl'^ry  in  his  days  upon  earth! 
J3ut,  forasmuch  as  children  themselves,  who  are  shapen 
m  iniquity  and  conceived  in  sin,  are  therefore  suSto 

eadv'o  1  ^ri""  P^'^^'^'  ^'^''^  ''  '^^'  ^"'^  ^7  0 
thvsdf  th.  t  .  ^"  l"^^'^J' ^n^i  prepare  him  then  so  for 
thyself,  that  it  may  be  to  him  the  greatest  gain  to  die  • 

dtl  rs'oTth''  '""W'  ^T""  ^^^-  ^^^  miseries  and 
dangeis  of  this  world,  and  that  to  come,  but  may  be 

made   ripe   and  ready  for   heaven    and   eternal  gbry 

through  the  infinite  satisfaction  and  merits  of  thy  beW 

Son,  our  compassionate  Saviour,  who  so  kindly  embraced 

blessed  young  children,  and  ever  lives  at  tl/riglt  hand 


246  PRATERS   AND   THANKSOmNGS 

to  intercede  for  young  and  old ;  the  only  prevailing  ad- 
vocate for  us  all.  And  to  thy  mercy  in  him,  0  most 
gracious  God,  we  commend  this  afflicted  child,  beseech- 
ing thee  to  deal  well  by  him,  and  be  good  and  kind  to 
him;  and  out  of  the  riches  of  thy  grace,  provide  and  do 
abundantly,  as  thou  knowest  best  for  him,  in  life  and 
death,  and  for  evermore.    Amen. 


UNDER  DANGEROUS  SICKNESS.  Jenht. 

0  Lord  God  Almighty,  in  whom  we  all  ever  live, 
and  move  and  are ;  we  acknowledge  it  to  be  of  thy  mer- 
cy we  are  not  consumed,  because  thy  compassions  fail 
not.  If  thou  hadst,  long  before  this  time,  cut  us  off  in 
our  sins,  and  shut  us  up  under  final  despair  of  thy  mer- 
cies, yet  righteous  hadst  thou  been,  0  Lord  ;  and  justljf 
mightest  thou  now  refuse  to  hear  us  calling  upon  thee  in 
our  prayers,  as  we  so  often  have  refused  to  hear  theo 
calling  upon  us  by  the  motions  of  thy  Holy  Spirit.  But 
thou  art  God,  and  not  man  ;  and  thy  thoughts  are  not  as 
our  thoughts,  nor  thy  ways  as  our  ways ;  but  as  the 
heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  thy  thoughts 
and  thy  ways  above  ours.  Thou  art  our  refuge  and 
strength,  a  present  help  in  time  of  trouble. 

And  now  we  come  to  thee,  0  Lord  our  God,  in  behalf 
of  tiiis  thy  servant,  that  lies  here  in  a  low  and  distressed 
state,  under  thy  chastening  hand.  Look  down,  we  be- 
seech thee,  mercifully  upon  him ;  and  be  thou  gracious 
and  favourable  to  him,  according  to  the  multitude  of  tliy 
tender  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus.  If  thou  but  speak  the 
word,  he  will  be  healed. — And  in  submission  to  thy  most 
wise  and  good  disposal  of  all  things,  we  would  beg  this 
mercy  at  thy  hands,  that  thou  wuuldst  be  pleased  to 
rebuke  liis  distemper,  to  remove  thy  stroke,  and  cause 
the  bitter  cup  which  thou  hast  given  Jiim  to  pass  away 
from  him,  and  make  him  a  way  to  escape  out  of  the 
affliction  that  is  upon  him;  and  to  this  end,  that  thou 
wouldst  direct  to  the  means  proper  for  his  help,  and 


FOR  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS.  247 

comTTiand  a  blessing  upon  them  to  promote  his  recovery. 
Sparc  him,  good  Lord,  and  restore  him,  if  it  be  thj  will, 
that  he  may  have  a  long  time  to  work  out  his  salvation, 
and  be  more  useful  in  his  place,  and  do  more  good  in  hi» 
generation ;  or  however  thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  deal  with 
hiin  as  to  the  concerns  of  his  body,  which  we  pray  may 
be  in  a  way  of  gentleness  and  tender  mercy;  yet  Lord, 
let  his  soul  be  ever  precious  in  thy  sight ;  and  may  this 
sickness  be  for  the  health  of  that  immortal  better  part, 
to  promote  his  salvation  everlasting. 

0  give  him  a  right  discerning  of  the  things  belonging 
to  his  peace,  before  they  be  hid  from  his  eyes;  show 
him  what  he  is  to  do ;  enable  him  for  the  doing  of  it, 
that  he  may  have  the  sound  peace  with  God,  through 
Jesus  Christ;  give  him  the  true  repentarice  towards 
God,  and  the  right  faith  in  the  only  Saviour  of  the 
world  ;  wash  and  cleanse  his  soul  with  the  blood  of  thy 
Son,  and  the  graces  of  thy  Spirit,  that  it  may  be  deli- 
vered from  all  defilements  it  has  contracted  in  this  pre- 
sent evil  world,  and  be  found  safe  and  happy  in  the  hour 
of  death,  and  in  the  great  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Fit  him,  0  Lord,  for  living  or  dying,  whatever  in  thy 
wise  and  righteous  providence  thou  hast  designed  for 
him,  that  it  may  be  unto  hi)ii  Christ  to  live,  and  <^ain  to 
die,  that  in  all  he  may  find  cause  to  glorify  thy  name, 
still  experiencing  thy  gracious  goodness  to  him  in  the 
Son  of  thy  love :  if  thou  shalt  please  yet  to  release  him 
from  his  bed  of  languishing,  to  live  longer  upon  earth, 
0  that  he  may  live  to  thee  in  thy  fear,  and  to  thy  praise, 
and  do  thee  better  service,  and  bring  thee  greater  glory ; 
or,  if  thou  hast  determined  tliat  this  sickness  shaFl  be  a 
sickness  unto  death,  and  this  visitation  his  last  visitation, 
prepare  him,  0  merciful  God,  by  thy  grace,  for  thy 
blessed  self;  and  grant  him  a  safe  and  comfortable  pas- 
sage out  of  this  wretched  life,  to  an  infinitely  better, 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  beloved  Son, 
our  only  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 


248  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 


FOR  ONE  DYING.  Jenki 

0  THE  hope  of  Israel,  and  the  Saviour  thereof  in  time 
of  trouble  !  when  all  other  hope  and  help  fail,  it  is  not 
in  vain  to  seek  unto  thee  for  succour,  who  canst  bring 
back  from  the  mouth  of  the  grave,  and  where  thou  art 
not  pleased  any  further  to  prolong  the  temporal  life,  yet 
canst  deliver  from  eternal  death,  and  bring  safe  to  the 
blessed  life  everlasting.  We  beg  the  recovery  of  tliy 
servant,  0  Lord,  now  that  he  seems  to  us  going  the 
way  of  all  flesh,  and  launching  forth  into  his  everlasting 
condition. 

0  Lord  our  God,  leave  Jwii  not,  nor  forsake  Jiun,  but 
support  and  assist  him  now  in  his  sorest  extremities,  in 
his  last  agonies,  when  he  is  to  conflict  with  the  king  of 
terrors  ;  let  him  find  the  most  sweet  and  seasonable  aids 
from  the  Almighty  God  of  his  salvation,  and  take  him 
not  out  of  this  life  till  thou  hast  fitted  him  for  a  better. 
0  thou  ever  living  God,  stand  by  him  in  the  dying  hour, 
and  secure  him  in  thy  hands  from  the  enemies  of  his 
soul,  and  finish  all  that  is  wanting  of  the  work  of  thy 
grace  upon  his  heart.  Freely  and  fully  pardon  and  do- 
liver  him  from  all  his  sins,  and  fit  him  to  appear  with 
comfort  and  rejoicing  in  thy  blessed  presence.  0  make 
his  departure  easy,  and  full  of  peace  and  hope;  carry 
hitn  safe  through  the  dark  passage,  upon  which  he  is 
entering,  and  let  him  find  it  the  gate  of  glory,  and  a 
door  opened  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  and  joy  of  his 
Lord.  Into  thy  hands  we  eonunend  his  spirit.  0  thou 
Father  of  mercies,  be  merciful  to  him,  and  receive  his 
departing  soul ;  and  when  he  is  numbered  among  the 
dead,  let  hitn  also  be  numbered  among  the  rodt'cnicd 
and  blessed  of  the  Lord,  for  his  sake  who  himself  died 
for  sinners,  aiul  rose  again,  and  lives,  and  is  alive  for 
ever  more,  and  has  the  keys  of  death  and  hell.  To  thy 
mercy,  in  that  blest  Saviour  of  the  world,  0  most  mer- 
ciful Father,  we  now  humbly  commend  him  ;  beseeching 
thee  to  be  all  in  all  to  him,  and  infinitely  better  than 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  249 

we  are  worthy  or  able  to  ask  for  him  ;  and  let  liim  be 
thine  in  life  and  death,  and  for  ever  more,  through  the 
all-sulficient  mediation  of  thy  dear  Son,  our  prevailing 
Advocate  and  Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


THE  EVENING  AFTER  A  FUNERAL.  Jay 

0  Tiiou  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all  comfort. 
Thou  hast  often  invited  us  to  thyself,  by  kindness ;  and 
it  manifests  our  depravity,  that  Ave  think  of  thee  so  little 
hi  the  hour  of  ease  and  prosperity.  But  we  are  now 
before  thee  in  affliction  and  distress.  Yet  we  rejoice  to 
know,  that  thou  art  a  very  present,  and  an  all-sufficient 
help  in  trouble. 

Thou  takest  away,  and  who  can  hinder  thee,  or  say 
unto  thee.  What  doest  thou  ?  Thou  hast  a  right  to  do 
what  thou  wilt  with  thine  own.  Thou  art  a  Sovereign, 
and  the  reasons  of  thy  conduct  are  often  far  above,  out 
of  our  sight ;  but  thy  work  is  perfect,  thy  ways  are  judg- 
ment. All  thy  dispensations  are  wise,  and  righteous, 
and  kind — kind,  even  Avhen  they  seem  to  be  severe. 

May  we  hear  thy  voice  in  thy  rod,  as  well  as  in  thy 
word :  and  gathering,  from  the  corrections  with  which 
we  are  exercised,  the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness, 
be  able  to  acknowledge,  Avith  all  our  suifering  brethren 
before  us.  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted. 

It  is  not  the  Scripture  only  that  reminds  us  of  our 
living  in  a  dying  Avorld,  but  all  observation  and  experi- 
ence. Man  is  continually  going  to  his  long  home,  and 
the  mournei's  daily  go  about  the  streets.  And  Ave  are 
all  accomplishing,  as  an  hireling,  our  day  ;  and  in  a  little 
time  our  neighbours,  friends,  and  relations,  will  seek  us 
—  and  Ave  shall  not  be.  Our  days  are  SAvifter  than  a 
weaver's  shuttle,  and  are  spent  Avithout  hope.  Thou 
hast  made  our  days  as  an  hand's  breadth,  and  our  age  is 
as  nothing  before  thee :  verily,  every  man  at  his  best 
state  is  altogether  A'anity.  For  our  days  are  not  only 
few,  but  full  of  evil.     Anxieties  perplex  us;  dangers 


250  TRAYERS   AND   TIIANKSGIVINOS 

alarm  us  ;  infirmities  oppress  us  ;  disappointments  afflict 
us ;  losses  impoverish  us  —  -vve  are  consumed  by  thine 
anger,  and  by  thy  wrath  are  we  troubled.  0,  shut  not 
thy  merciful  ear  to  our  prayers  ;  but  spare  us,  0  Lord, 
most  holy  ;  0  God,  most  mighty ;  0  holy  and  most  mer- 
ciful Saviour ;  thou  most  worthy  Judge  eternal,  suffer 
us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  for  any  bitter  pains  of  death, 
to  fall  from   thee. 

We  acknowledge,  0  God,  with  shame  and  sorrow,  that 
the  state  of  degradation  and  mortality  in  which  we  groan, 
was  not  our  original  condition.  Thou  madest  man  up- 
right ;  but  he  sought  out  many  inventions.  By  one 
man,  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin ;  and 
80  death  hath  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned. 

And  we  bless  thee  that  this  is  not  our  final  state.  By 
the  discoveries  of  faith,  we  sec  new  heavens,  and  a  new 
earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteousness.  We  see  the 
spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect.  We  see  our  vile  bodies 
changed,  and  fashioned  like  the  Saviour's  own  glorious 
body ;  antl  man,  the  sinner,  raised  above  the  angels, 
who  never  sinned. 

We  bless  thee  for  this  purpose  of  grace,  formed  be- 
fore the  world  began,  and  accomplished  in  the  fulness 
of  time,  by  the  Son  of  thy  love,  who  hath  abolished 
death,  and  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light  by  the 
gospel ;  and  who  among  the  ravages  of  the  grave,  says, 
1  am  tlie  resurrection,  and  the  life  ;  he  that  believeth  in 
me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live ;  and  whoso- 
ever liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die. 

So  tea^^h  us  to  nmnber  our  days  that  we  may  apply 
our  hearts  unto  wisdom  —  that  wisdom  which  will  lead 
us  to  prefer  the  soul  to  the  body,  and  eternity  to  time; 
that  wisdom  which  will  lead  us  to  secure  an  interest  in 
a  better  worhl,  before  we  are  removed  from  tbis. 

0  let  not  the  trifles  of  time  induce  us  to  neglect  the 
one  thing  needful.  While  each  of  us  is  compelled  to 
Bay,  I  know  thou  wilt  bring  me  to  death,  and  to  the 
house  appointed  for  uU  living,  may  avc  be  enabled  also 


?0R   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  251 

to  say,  I  know  wliom  I  have  believed,  and  am  persuaded 
that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  "which  I  have  committed  to 
him  against  that  day. 

And,  0,  let  not  the  solemnities  we  have  this  day  wit- 
nessed, be  ever  forgotten ;  for  often,  our  most  serioua 
impressions  have  worn  off,  and  our  goodness  has  been 
as  the  morning  cloud  and  early  dew  that  soon  passeth 
away. 

Thou  hast  permitted  death  to  invade  our  circle,  and 
hast  turned  our  dwelling  into  a  house  of  mourning.  May 
we  find  that  it  is  better  to  be  in  the  house  of  mourning 
than  in  the  house  of  mirth.  By  the  sadness  of  the 
countenance  may  the  heart  be  made  better,  more  serious 
to  reflect,  and  more  softened  to  take  impression. 

With  the  feelings  of  the  creature,  may  we  blend  the 
views  and  the  hopes  of  the  Christian.  May  we  remem- 
ber that  thou  hast  bereaved  us,  resuming  what  was  lent 
us  for  a  season,  but  never  ceased  to  be  thine  own. 
May  we,  therefore,  be  dumb,  and  open  not  our  mouth, 
because  thou  hast  done  it ;  or  if  we  speak,  may  it  be  to 
acknowledge  and  pray — I  know,  0  Lord,  that  thy  judg- 
ments are  right,  and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast 
afflicted  me  ;  let  thy  loving-kindness  be  for  my  comfort, 
according  to  thy  word  unto  thy  servant. 

Now,  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling, 
and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his 
glory,  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise  God  our 
Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power, 
both  now  and  ever.     Amen. 


MOURNING  FOR  THE  LOSS  OF  RELATIVES  AND 

FRIENDS.  Smuh. 

0  THOU  who  art  our  great  Creator,  and,  by  thy  good 
hand  upon  us,  still  our  merciful  Preserver,  may  we  at 
this  time  approach  the  footstool  of  thy  throne,  with  thy 
divine  forgiveness  and  gracious  acceptance.  To  whom 
can  we  go  but  unto  thee,  who  art  the  Father  of  lights, 


252  PRAYERS  AND  THANKSaiVINOS 

and  fountain  of  every  blessing ;  and  who  hast  said  in 
thy  Holy  Scriptures,  "  Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 
trouhle,  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me." 
In  this  word,  0  God,  we  find  it  written,  "  It  is  better 
to  go  to  the  house  of  mourning  than  to  go  to  the  house 
of  feasting  ;  for  that  is  the  end  of  all  men,  and  the  liv- 
ing will  lay  it  to  his  heart." 

By  thy  wise  and  special  appointment,  our  deceased 
[brother]  [sister]  is  cut  off  from  the  land  of  the  living ; 
[his]  [her]  body  returns  to  the  earth  out  of  which  it  wa3 
taken,  and  Qiis]  [her]  spirit  hath  returned  to  tliee,  who 
gave  it.  We  would  desire  upon  this,  as  upon  every  oc- 
casion, to  submit  ourselves  to  God ;  saying,  "  The  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done."  Be  pleased  to  grant,  0  thou 
Author  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift !  grant,  that  we 
may  be  enabled  to  say,  with  the  same  resignation  as  thy 
servant  of  old :  "  The  Lord  gave,  and  tlie  Lord  hath 
taken  away ;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

Blessed  Jesus,  thou  hast  said,  "  I  am  the  resurrection 
and  the  life.  He  that  believeth  in  me,  though  he  wero 
dead,  yet  shall  he  live."  And,  0  heavenly  Father,  help 
us  all  to  extend  our  views  forward  to  that  day  when  thou 
shalt  redeem  our  souls  from  the  power  of  the  grave ; 
and  when  these  bodies,  which  are  sown  in  corruption, 
dishonour,  and  weakness,  shall  be  raised  in  incorruption, 
glory,  and  power  ;  and  that  saying  be  brought  to  pass  — 
"Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory."  In  this  important 
and  interesting  day,  when  the  world  shall  be  judged  in 
righteousness  by  that  Immanuel  whom  God  the  Fatlier 
hath  appointed,  may  we,  and  all  our  deceased  friends, 
appear  clothed  with  his  righteousness,  and  hear  him 
pronounce,  "  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Fatlicr,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world." 

Knowing  these  things,  may  we  be  enabled,  0  God,  to 

comfort  ourselves  together,  and  edify  one  another,  ever 

reckoning  that  "  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are 

lot  worthy  to  be  compared  to  the  glory  that  shall  bo 

evcalcd  in  us ;"  nay,  assured  "  thit  our  light  affliction, 


FOB  PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS.  253 

which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory." 

Now,  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  us  from  falling, 
and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his 
glory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise  God,  our  Sa- 
viour, be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion  and  power,  both 
now  and  ever.    Amen. 


SPRING.  Jay. 

Tnou  art  the  fountain  of  life  ;  in  thee  we  live,  move, 
and  have  our  being — and  the  prerogative  of  that  being 
is,  that  we  are  able  to  contemplate  thy  perfections,  and 
rise  from  thy  works — to  thyself. 

Thou  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit,  and  renewest  the  face 
of  the  earth  ;  and,  from  apparent  death,  all  irature  starts 
into  reanimated  vigour  and  joy.  In  what  myriads  of 
productions  art  thou  displaying  afresh,  the  wonders  of 
thy  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness — the  whole  earth  is 
full  of  thj'  riches. 

While  we  partake  of  the  general  sympathy  and  delight, 
may  we  join  with  all  thy  works  to  praise  thee.  And,  0 
thou  God  of  all  grace,  bless  us  with  the  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  in  all  the  powers  of  our  souls.  May  old 
things  pass  away,  and  all  become  new  in  Christ ;  may 
the  beauty  of  the  Lord  be  upon  us ;  and  the  joy  of  the 
Loi'd  be  our  strength. 

May  the  young  remember,  that  they  are  now  in  the 
spring  of  life ;  and  that  tins  spring,  once  gone,  returns 
no  more.  May  they,  therefore,  eagerly  seize,  and  zeal- 
ously improve,  the  short,  but  all-important  season,  for 
the  cultivation  of  their  minds,  the  formation  of  their 
habits,  the  correction  of  their  tempers,  their  preparation 
for  future  usefulness,  and  their  gaining  that  good  part 
which  shall  not  be  taken  away  from  them. 


W 


254  PRAYERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 


SUMMER.  Jay. 

We  hail  Thee  in  the  varying  aspects  of  the  year,  ani3 
bless  Thee  for  all  their  appropriate  influences  and  advan- 
tages. 0,  let  us  not  view  them  and  enjoy  them  as  men 
only,  but  as  Christians  also;  and  ever  connect  ■with 
them,  the  better  blessings  of  thy  grace. 

How  wise,  and  useful,  and  necessary,  are  these  inter- 
mingled rains  and  sunbeams — may  Jesus,  as  the  Sun  of 
Righteousness,  arise  upon  us,  with  healing  under  his 
wings ;  and  may  he  come  down  as  rain  upon  the  mown 
grass,  and  as  showers  that  water  the  earth. 

When  we  walk  by  the  cooling  brook — may  we  think 
of  that  river,  the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  city 
of  God. 

When  we  retire  from  the  scorching  warmth  of  the 
day,  into  tfie  inviting  shade — may  we  be  thankful  for  a 
rest  at  noon,  a  shelter  from  the  heat,  the  shadow  of  a 
great  rock  in  a  weary  land. 

May  thy  servants  behold  the  moral  fields,  that  are 
already  white  unto  harvest,  and  be  all  anxiety  to  save 
the  multitudes  that  are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge. 

The  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  labourers  are  few ; 
we  therefore  pray,  that  Thou  wilt  send  forth  labourers 
into  thy  harvest. 

He  that  gathereth  in  summer,  is  a  wise  son ;  he  that 
sleepeth  in  harvest,  is  a  son  that  causeth  shame.  Now 
is  our  accepted  time,  now  is  our  day  of  salvation.  0,  let 
us  not  waste  our  precious  privileges,  and  in  a  dying  hour 
exclaim — The  harvest  is  past,  the  summer  is  ended,  and 
we  are  not  saved. 


AUTUMN.  Jay 

How  fleeting  as  well  as  varying  are  the  seasons  of  the 
year !  How  insensibly  have  the  months  of  spring  and 
summer  vanished  !  and  nature  has  no  sooner  attained  its 
maturities,  than  we  behold  its  declension  and  decay 


FOR   PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS.  255 

The  fields  are  now  shorn  of  their  produce ;  the  beauties 
of  the  garden  are  withered ;  the  woods  are  changing 
their  verdure,  and  the  trees  shedding  their  foliage — we 
also  never  continue  in  one  state.  Many  of  our  con- 
nexions and  comforts  have  already  dropped  away  from 
us ;  and  the  remaining  are  holden  by  a  slender  tenure ; 
while  we  ourselves  do  all  fade  as  a  leaf,  and  in  a  little 
time,  our  places  will  know  us  no  more. 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  announcement  of  an  inheritance  that 
fadeth  not  away.  0  for  a  hope  full  of  immortality  !  for 
a  possession  of  that  good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken 
away  from  us ! 


WINTER.  Jay. 

0  Thou  God  of  nature  and  providence  ;  manifold  are 
thy  works  ;  in  wisdom  thou  hast  made  them  all ;  and  all 
are  full  of  thy  goodness.  The  welfare  of  thy  creatures 
requires  the  severity  of  winter  as  well  as  the  pleasures 
of  spring.  We  adore  thy  hand  in  all.  Thou  givest  snow 
like  wool :  thou  scatterest  the  hoar  frost  like  ashes. 
Tliou  sendest  abroad  thine  ice  like  morsels :  who  can 
stand  before  thy  cold? 

But  we  bless  thee,  for  a  house  to  shelter  us  ;  for  rai- 
ment to  cover  us;  for  fuel  to  warm  us;  and  all  the 
accommodations,  that  render  life,  even  at  this  inclement 
season,  not  only  tolerable,  but  full  of  comfort. 

May  we  be  grateful ;  and  may  we  be  pitiful.  May  we 
reflect  on  the  condition  of  those  who  are  the  victims  of 
every  kind  of  privation  and  distress — and  waste  nothing ; 
hoard  nothing ;  but  hasten  to  be  ministers  of  mercy,  and 
the  disciples  of  Him,  who  went  abroad,  doing  good. 

0,  let  the  rich,  noio,  deservedly  prize  their  wealth, 
and  use  it  as  the  instrument  of  usefulness.  May  they 
be  willing  to  communicate,  and  ready  to  distribute ;  and 
enjoy  the  blessing  of  him  that  is  ready  to  perish ;  and 
make  the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy. 


256  PRAYERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 

FOR  A  DAY  OF  THANKSGIVING.  Jaf 


God,  thou  art  very  great — thou  art  clothed  with 
honour  and  majesty ;  thou  coverest  thyself  with  light 
as  with  a  garment ;  thou  walkest  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind.  When  we  reflect  on  the  glory  of  thy  majesty,  we 
are  filled  with  wonder  at  the  vastness  of  thy  condescen- 
sion. For  thou  condescendest  even  to  behold  things  that 
are  in  heaven.  What,  then,  is  man,  that  thou  art  mind- 
ful of  him,  or  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  ? 

We  rejoice,  that  we  are  under  the  governance  of  a 
Being,  who  is  not  only  Almighty,  but  perfectly  right- 
eous, and  wise,  and  good ;  that  all  things,  in  our  world, 
are  appointed  and  arranged  by  thy  paternal  agency ; 
that  thy  providence  numbers  the  very  hairs  of  our  head, 
and  that  a  sparrow  falleth  not  to  the  ground,  without 
our  heavenly  Father. 

Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  We  bless  thee  for 
personal  mercies.  If  we  are  called,  it  is  by  thy  word. 
If  we  are  renewed,  it  is  by  thy  Spirit.  If  we  are  justi- 
fied, it  is  freely  by  thy  grace  through  the  redemption 
that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  It  is  in  thee  we  live,  and  move, 
and  have  our  being.  Thy  goodness  has  been  always 
near  us,  to  hear  our  complaints,  to  soothe  our  sorrow, 
and  to  command  deliverance  for  us.  And  numberless 
are  the  instances  of  loving-kindness,  that  now,  from 
ignorance,  or  inattention,  elude  our  notice ;  the  disco- 
very of  which  will  awaken  our  songs,  when  we  mingle 
with  those  who  dwell  in  thy  house  above,  and  are  still 
praising  thee. 

We  thank  thee  for  relative  benefits ;  for  blessings  on 
our  families,  blessings  on  our  churches,  and  blessings  on 
our  country.  We  confess  that  we  are  not  worthy  of  the 
'least  of  all  thy  mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth  which  thou 
hast  showed  unto  thy  servants.  Sins  of  every  kind  and 
of  every  degree,  have  reigned  among  us ;  have  spread 
through  all  ranks  and  orders ;  and  continued,  notwith- 


IfOR  PARTICULAjtl  OCCASIONS.  257 

standing  all  warnings  and  corrections  ;  and  if  thou  hadst 
dealt  with  us  after  our  sins,  or  rewarded  us  according 
to  our  iniquities,  we  should  long  ago  have  had  no  name 
or  place  among  the  nations  of  the  globe. 

But  to  the  Lord,  our  God,  belong  mercies  and  for- 
givenesses, though  we  have  rehelled  against  him.  All 
thy  dispensations  towards  us  have  said,  with  a  tender- 
ness that  ought  to  penetrate  our  hearts — How  shall  I 
give  thee  up  !  Our  privileges,  never  properly  improved, 
and  forfeited  times  without  number,  have  been  con- 
tinued. We  still  behold  our  Sabbaths,  and  our  ears 
still  hear  the  joyful  sound.  Our  constitution,  liberties, 
and  laws,  have  not  been  subverted,  or  impaired.  Thou 
hast  given  us  rains,  and  fruitful  seasons  ;  thou  hast  filled 
us  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat ;  our  garners  have  heen 
affording  all  manner  of  store.  Thou  hast  spread  thy 
wing,  and  sheltered  us  from  the  pestilence  that  walketi 
in  darkness,  and  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noon- 
day. Civil  discord  has  not  raged  in  our  land ;  our 
shores  have  not  been  invaded ;  we  have  not  heard  the 
confused  noise  of  warriors,  nor  seen  garments  rolled  in 
blood  —  it  has  not  come  nigh  us.  Our  enemies  have 
often  threatened  to  swallow  us  up,  but  the  Lord  has 
been  on  our  side,  and  they  have  not  prevailed  against 
us.     We  are  this  day  called  upon  to  acknowledge  thy 

goodness  in  ( ).     [Here  let  the  particular  causes  for 

thankfulness  be  expressed.] 

May  we  never  convert  our  blessings  into  instruments 
of  provocation,  by  making  them  the  means  of  nourish- 
ing pride  and  presumption,  wantonness  and  intemper- 
ance ;  and  compel  thee  to  complain — Do  ye  thus  requite 
the  Lord,  0  foolish  people,  and  unwise  ?  Is  not  he  thy 
Father,  that  hath  bought  thee  ?  Hath  he  not  made 
thee,  and  established  thee  ? 

For  this  purpose  meet  with  us  in  thy  house  ;  and  may 
the  goings  of  our  God  and  our  King  be  seen  in  the  sanc- 
tuary. Be  with  the  preacher,  and  with  the  hearers  ;  and 
let  the  words  of  his  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  their 
hearts  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord,  our  strength, 

W2 


258  PRATERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 

and  our  Redeemer.  May  public  instruction  awaken  the 
ardour  of  our  feelings  :  May  our  gratitude  not  only  be 
lively,  but  practical  and  permanent.  And  by  all  thy 
mercies,  may  we  present  our  bodies  a  living  sacrifice, 
holy  and  acceptable  unto  thee,  which  is  our  reasonable 
service. 

Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel  in  strength, 
that  do  his  commandments,  hearkening  unto  the  voice 
of  his  word.  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts ;  ye 
ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure.  Bless  the  Lord, 
all  his  works,  in  all  places  of  his  dominion ;  bless  the 
Lord,  0  my  soul.     Ameri. 


FOR  A  DAY  OF  THANKSGIVING.  Jay. 


0  God,  thou  art  good,  and  docst  good.  Thou  art 
good  to  all,  and  thy  tender  mercies  are  over  all  thy 
works. 

We  have  thought  of  thy  loving-kindness  this  day,  in 
the  midst  of  thv  toinple  :  and  are  af^ain  surroundiii"'  this 
domestic  altar,  to  e.xciann,  O  that  men  would  praise  the 
Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works  to 
the  children  of  men. 

We  lament  to  think,  that  a  world  so  filled  with  thy 
bounty,  should  be  so  alienated  from  thy  service  and 
glory.  We  mourn  over  tbo  vilcness  of  our  ingratitude, 
and  aldior  ourselves,  repenting  in  dust  and  ashes. 

0  thou  God  of  all  grace,  make  us  more  thankful.  In 
order  that  we  may  be  more  thankful,  may  we  be  more 
liumble  ;  impress  us  with  a  deep  sense  of  our  unworthi- 
ness,  arising  from  the  depravity  of  our  nature,  and 
countless  instances  of  unimproved  advantages,  omitteti 
duties,  and  violated  conniiands.  May  we  compare  our 
condition  with  our  desert,  and  with  the  far  less  indulgeti 
circumstances  of  others.  May  we  never  be  inattentive 
to  any  of  tliy  interpositions  on  our  behalf:  but  b(;  wise, 


FOR   PARTICULAR  OCCASIONS.  259 

and  observe  these  things,  that  we  may  understand  the 
'.oving-kindncss  of  the  Lord. 

How  many  blessings,  temporal  and  spiritual,  public 
and  private,  hast  thou  conferred  upon  us  !  Thy  mercies 
have  been  new  every  morning,  and  every  moment. 

Our  afflictions  have  been  few  and  alleviated,  often 
short  in  their  continuance,  and  always  founded  in  a  re 
gard  to  our  profit.  Thy  secret  has  been  upon  our  taber 
nacle ;  and  we  have  known  thee  in  thy  palaces  for  a 
refuge.  The  lines  have  indeed  fallen  to  us  in  pleasant 
places,  yea,  we  have  a  goodly  heritage.  Thou  hast  not 
dealt  so  with  any  people.  It  is  a  good  land,  which  the 
Lord  our  God  has  given  us  —  a  land  distinguished  by 
knowledge  ;  dignified  as  the  abode  of  civil  and  religious 
freedom ;  endeared  by  the  patriot's  zeal,  and  the  ashes 
of  our  forefathers ;  a  land  the  Lord  careth  for,  and  upoa 
which  his  eye  has  been  from  the  beginning  even  to  the 
end  of  the  year. 

Thou  hast  been  a  wall  of  fire  round  about  us,  by  thy 
providential  protection,  and  the  glory  in  the  midst  of 
us,  by  the  gospel  of  our  salvation,  the  ordinances  of  re- 
ligion, and  the  presence  of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 

What  shall  we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  bene- 
fits towards  us?  Because  thou  hast  been  our  help, 
therefore  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wing  may  we  rejoice. 
Because  thou  hast  heard  our  voice  and  our  supplication, 
therefore  may  we  call  upon  thee  as  long  as  we  live ; 
and  in  every  future  difficulty  and  distress,  make  thee 
our  refuge  and  our  portion. 

Enable  us  to  bless  thee  at  all  times ;  may  thy  praise 
continually  be  in  our  mouth  ;  and  may  we  show  forth 
thy  praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives. 

Being  delivered  from  the  peril  and  calamity  of  ( ) 

with  which  we  have  been  exercised,  may  we  serve  thee 
without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the  days 
of  our  lives. 

We  dare  not  trust  our  own  hearts.  We  have  often 
resembled  thy  people  of  old,  who,  in  the  hour  of  deliver- 
ance and  indulgence,  sang  thy  praise,  and  said  —  All 


260  PRATERS  AND  THANKSGIVINGS 

tliat  the  Lord  commandetli  us,  ■will  we  do ;  but  soon 
forgot  his  works  and  the  wonders  which  he  had  showed 
them.  Keep  these  things  for  ever  in  the  imagination 
of  our  hearts ;  and  not  only  draw  us,  but  bind  us  to 
thyself,  with  the  cords  of  love,  and  the  bonds  of  a  man. 

And  with  all  our  calls  to  gratitude  and  joy,  may  we 
remember  that  we  have  also  reason  for  sorrow  and  hu- 
miliation. 0  give  us  that  repentance  which  is  unto  life. 
Reform,  as  well  as  indulge  us ;  and  pardon,  as  well  as 
spare.  Let  not  our  prosperity  destroy  us,  nor  our  table 
become  a  snare.  Let  us  not,  by  our  perverse  returns, 
provoke  thee  to  visit  us  with  heavier  afflictions ;  and 
turn  the  rod  into  a  scorpion.  May  our  ways  please  the 
Lord,  that  we  may  hope  for  continuance  of  thy  favour, 
and  know  that  all  things  shall  work  together  for  our 
good. 

Do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto  Zion.  Build  thou 
the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  And  as  the  churches  have  rest, 
may  they  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  com- 
forts of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  be  multiplied. 

Preside  over  our  national  councils ;  impart  wisdom  to 
those  who  conduct  our  public  affairs ;  and  may  all  the 
various  classes  in  the  community  pursue  that  righteous- 
ness which  exalteth  a  nation,  and  forsake  that  sin  which 
is  a  reproach  to  any  people. 

Regard  the  services  in  which  we  have  been  engaged 
with  the  thousands  of  our  Israel ;  accept  of  the  poor  and 
imperfect  thanksgivings  we  have  offered ;  and  let  thy 
word  which  has  been  dispensed,  in  aid  of  the  devotion 
of  the  day,  accomplish  all  the  good  pleasure  of  thy 
goodness  —  through  Jesus  the  Lord,  our  righteousnesa 
and  strength ;  and  in  whose  words  we  address  thee,  as 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name ;  lliy  kingdom  come ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth 
as  it  is  in  heaven  ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread , 
and  forgive  us  our  tret^passes  as  we  forgive  those  that 
trespass  against  us ;  and  lead  us  not  into  temptation ; 
but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  tho 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Aiiicn, 


FOR   PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  261 


FOR  RAIN  AFTER  A  DROUGHT.  Jay 

Thou  hast  never  left  thyself  without  witness,  but  hast 
been  continually  doing  good,  even  for  the  unthankful 
and  unworthy,  in  giving  them  rain  from  heaven,  and 
fruitful  seasons,  and  filling  their  hearts  with  joy  and 
gladness.  We  acknowledge  that  the  heavens  over  us 
might  have  been  brass,  and  the  earth  under  us  iron. 
We  have  justly  deserved  the  calamity  ;  and  thy  power, 
without  a  miracle,  could  have  inflicted  it ;  but  though 
thou  hast  tried  our  patience  and  awakened  our  fears, 
thou  hast  not  forgotten  to  be  gracious.  We  praise  thee 
for  sending  us  the  seasonable  and  plentiful  rain,  by 
which  thou  hast  refreshed  and  revived  the  drooping 
fields,  so  that  the  earth  promises  to  yield  her  increase. 


FOR  FAIR  WEATHER  AFTER  RAIN.  Jay 

0  God,  thou  art  good  and  doest  good.  Thou  hast 
again  surpassed  our  deserts,  and  been  better  to  us  than 
our  fears.  Thou  hast  caused  the  clear  shining  after  rain ; 
so  that  in  the  meadows  the  hay  appeareth ;  and  in  the 
fields,  thou  art  preparing  of  thy  goodness  for  the  poor. 
Thou  preservest  man  and  beast.  May  we  feel  our  entire 
dependence  upon  thee ;  and  by  prayer  and  praise,  give 
thee  the  glory  that  is  due  unto  thy  holy  name. 


FOR  A  GOOD  HARVEST.  Jay. 

Again  thou  hast  crowned  the  year  with  thy  goodness. 
The  grain  might  have  perished  in  the  earth,  or  have 
failed  of  maturity,  for  want  of  the  showers,  and  of  the 
Bunshine ;  but  thou  hast  pleased  to  bless  the  springing 
thereof;  and  we  saw  first  the  blade,  then  the  ear,  and 
after  that  the  full  corn  in  the  ear.  We  hailed  the  val- 
leys standing  thick  with  corn,  and  heard  the  little  hills 


262  PRAYERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 

rejoicing  on  every  side.  In  due  time  the  mower  filled 
his  hands,  and  the  binder  of  sheaves  his  bosom ;  and 
the  appointed  weeks  of  harvest  have  been  afforded  us  to 
gather  in  the  precious  produce.  0  that  men  would 
praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men  !  For  he  satisfieth  the 
longing  soul,  and  filleth  the  hungry  soul  with  goodness. 

We  have  again  witnessed  thy  faithfulness  and  truth 
in  the  promise — while  the  earth  remaineth,  seed  time 
and  harvest,  and  cold  and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter, 
and  day  and  night,  shall  not  cease — may  we  learn  to 
trust  thee  in  all  thy  engagements. 

And  make  us  thankful,  that,  as  we  have  no  famine  of 
bread,  so  we  have  no  famine  of  hearing  the  word  of  the 
Lord.  With  regard  to  the  soul,  as  well  as  to  the  body, 
Thou  fillest  us  with  the  finest  of  the  wheat. 


FOR  THE  RESTORATION  OF  PLENTV.  Jenks. 

0  God,  the  Fountain  of  all  goodness !  thou  didst 
threaten  with  famine  to  destroy  the  blessings  of  the 
earth,  which  we  have  so  Avickedly  abused ;  but  remem- 
bering thy  own  tender  mercies,  and  not  our  ill  deserts, 
hast  raised  a  new  and  plentiful  supply  for  us.  And  now 
thou  crowncst  the  year  with  thy  goodness,  and  thy  paths 
drop  fatness.  Thou  hast  loaded  the  earth  with  the  fruits 
of  thy  bounty,  and  sent  abundance  of  all  good  things  for 
the  service  and  comfort  of  man.  0  make  us  more  sen- 
Bible  of  the  ol)ligation  which  thy  love  has  laid  upon  us. 
And  as  thou  fillest  us  with  thy  good  things,  so  fill  our 
hearts  with  thy  love  and  grace,  to  use  every  gift  aright 
to  thy  glory ;  that  in  the  use  and  strength  of  what  wo 
are  continually  receiving  from  thee,  Ave  may  devote  our- 
selves to  live  unto  thee,  and  to  serve  thee  with  gladness 
and  rejoicing  for  all  thy  rich  mercy  to  us  in  Jesus 
Christ. 


FOR  PARTICULAR   OCCASIONS.  263 


FOR  A  SAFE  RETURN  FROM  A  JOURNEY.  >«f . 

As  the  Keeper  of  Israel,  Thou  hast  been  with  us,  not 
only  in  the  house,  but  by  the  way.  We  might  have 
been  injured  by  wicked  and  unreasonable  men.  We 
might  have  been  left  groaning  under  the  pain  of  bruised 
or  fractured  limbs.  Our  lives  might  have  been  spilt, 
like  water  on  the  ground,  which  cannot  be  gathered  up 
again  ;  and  the  first  tidings  that  reached  our  friends, 
might  have  plunged  them  into  anguish. 

Thy  mercy,  too,  in  our  absence,  has  been  upon  our 
tabernacle,  and  secured  it  from  all  evil — 0  that  it  may 
be  a  tabernacle  of  the  righteous  ;  and  be  ever  filled,  not 
only  with  the  voice  of  rejoicing,  but  of  praise. 

And  be  with  us  in  all  the  future  journey  of  life ; 
guide  us  by  thy  counsel,  uphold  us  by  thy  power ;  and 
supply  all  our  wants,  till  we  come  to  our  Father's  house 
in  peace. 


FOR  RECOVERY  FROM  SICKNESS.  Jay 

All  our  times  are  in  thy  hand.  All  diseases  come  at 
thy  call,  and  go  at  thy  bidding.  Thou  redeem  est  our 
life  from  destruction,  and  crownest  us  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercies.  We  bless  thee,  that  thou  hast 
heard  our  prayer,  and  commanded  deliverance  for  our 
friend  and  thy  servant,  who  has  been  under  thine  afflict- 
ing hand.  He  {or  she)  was  brought  low,  but  thou  hast 
helped  him:  thou  hast  chastened  hi7n  sore,  but  not  de- 
livered hi7n  over  unto  death.  May  he  not  only  live,  but 
declare  the  works  of  the  Lord. 

As  thou  hast  delivered  his  eyes  from  tears,  his  feet 
from  falling,  and  his  soul  from  death,  may  he  daily  in- 
quire. What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  towards  me  ?  and  resolve  to  offer  unto  thee,  the 
sacrifices  of  thanksgiving,  and  to  call  upon  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

And  may  we  ever  remember,  that  a  recovery  is  only 


-64  PRAYERS   AT   TABLE. 

a  reprieve ;  that  the  sentence  "which  dooms  us  to  the 
dust  is  only  suspended ;  and,  that  at  most,  when  a  few 
years  are  come,  we  shall  go  the  way  whence  we  shall 
not  return.  May  we  therefore  secure  the  one  thing 
needful,  and  live  with  eternity  in  view. 


PRAYERS  AT  TABLE. 


BEFORE  MEAT.  Jay. 

Almighty  God  !  the  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  and 
thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Bless,  we 
beseech  thee,  the  provisions  of  thine  earthly  bounty, 
which  are  now  before  us ;  and  let  them  nourish  and 
strengthen  our  frail  bodies,  that  we  may  the  better  serve 
thee,  through  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

OR  THUS : 

Bountiful  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift !  thou 
art  never  weary  of  supplying  our  returning  wants — 
grant,  we  pray  thee,  that  the  food  of  which  we  are  about 
to  partake,  may  contribute  to  the  comfort  and  support 
of  our  bodies, — and  enable  us  to  engage  with  more  zeal 
in  thy  service ;  which  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 

OR  THUS : 

Let  thy  blessing,  Almighty  God,  descend  on  this  por- 
tion of  thy  bounty,  and  on  us,  thy  unworthy  servants, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

OR  THUS : 
Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  pardon  our  sins : 
to  bless  the  refreshment  now  before  us,  to  our  use,  and 
us  to  thy  service,  through  Jesus  Christ. 


PRATERS   AT   TABLE.  265 

OR  THUS : 
Father  of  lights,  from  whom  comcth  clown  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  enable  us  to  receive  these  fruits  of  thy 
bounty  with  humility  and  gratitude,  and  give  us  grace, 
that,  whether  we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatever  we  do,  we 
may  do  all  to  ^hy  glory,  and  be  accepted  through  the 
great  Kedeemer. 

OR  THUS : 

Bounteous  God,  we  acknowledge  our  dependence  on 
thee,  and  our  unworthiness  of  thy  benefits.  We  pray 
thee  to  forgive  our  sins :  to  bless  us  in  the  reception  of 
this  food,  and  enable  us  to  improve  the  strength  we  may 
derive  from  it  to  thy  glory,  for  Christ's  sake. 

OR  THUS : 
Sanctify,  0  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  these  thy  produc- 
tions to  our  use,  and  us  to  thy  service,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord.    Ainen. 


AFTER  MEAT.  Jay. 

We  thank  thee,  0  God,  our  heavenly  Father !  for  the 
innumerable  good  gifts  of  thy  providence.  Especially 
do  we  thank  thee  for  the  rich  provision  thou  hast  made 
for  our  souls — accept  our  grateful  acknowledgments  for 
the  food  we  have  now  received ;  and  enable  us  to  prove 
our  sincerity  by  the  holiness  and  obedience  of  our  lives, 
for  the  sake  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

OR  THUS ; 
What  shall  we  render  to  thee,  0  God,  for  all  thy 
benefits  ?  Every  day  of  our  lives  we  are  receiving  fresh 
tokens  of  thy  favour.  0,  let  thy  goodness  lead  us  to 
repentance.  And  if  we  can  do  no  more  than  express 
our  gratitude,  help  us  to  do  that  in  the  sincerity  of  our 
souls,  and  thine  shall  be  the  glory,  for  ever,  through 
Jesus  Christ.    Atiieri. 

12  X 


2G6  PRATERS   AND   THANKSGIVINGS 


OR  THUS: 

Accept,  heavenly  Father,  our  humhle  thanks  for  thia,, 
and  for  all  thy  blessings  through  Jesus  Christ. 

OR  THUS ; 

We  thank  thee,  our  heavenly  Father,  for  the  rich 
provision  thou  hast  made  for  our  temporal  and  eternal 
■welfare ;  especially  for  the  food  we  have  now  received. 
May  thy  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance,  and  thy  grace 
prepare  us  for  heavenly  entertainments,  through  Jesus 
Christ  oui-  Lord. 

OR  THUS : 

We  praise  thee,  0  Lord,  for  the  provisions  of  thy  pro- 
vidence and  grace,  and  in  particular  for  this  renewed 
token  of  thy  favour.  May  we  feel  our  increased  obliga- 
tions to  be  thine,  and  be  fitted  at  length,  to  eat  bread  in 
thy  heavenly  kingdom,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

OR  THUS : 

We  bless  thee,  0  Lord,  for  this  kind  refreshment. 
Be  pleased  to  continue  thy  favours,  and  feed  us  witli  tlie 
bread  of  life.  Supply  the  wants  of  the  needy,  and  en- 
able  us,  while  we  live  on  thy  bounty,  to  live  to  thy  glory, 
for  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 

OR  THUS : 

Blessed  and  praised  be  thy  holy  name,  0  Lord,  for 
this  and  all  thy  other  blessings,  bestowed  upon  ua 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 


H  Y  M  N  S 


CmEFLV   ADAPTED  TO 


FAMILY    WORSHIP. 


SB" 


HYMNS 

CHIEFLY  ADAPTED   TO  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 


IVEORNING  KYIMENS. 

1  HYMN.     C.  M, 

1  ONCE  more,  my  soul,  the  rising  day 

Salutes  thy  waking  eyes; 
Once  more,  my  voice,  thy  tribute  pay 
To  Him  who  rules  the  sides. 

2  Night  unto  night  his  name  repeals ; 

The  day  renews  the  sound, 
Wide  as  the  heavens  on  which  he  sits 
To  turn  the  seasons  round. 

3  'Tis  he  su])ports  my  mortal  frame ; 

My  tongue  shall  speak  his  praise; 
My  sins  would  rouse  his  wrath  to  flame, 
A.nd  yet  his  wrath  delays. 

4  How  many  wretched  souls  have  fled 

Since  the  last  setting  sun  I 
And  yet  thou  lengthenest  out  my  thread, 
And  yet  my  moments  run. 

5  Great  God,  let  all  my  hours  be  thine, 

While  I  enjoy  the  light; 
Then  shall  my  sun  in  smiles  decline. 
And  bring  a  peaceful  night. 

X2  <*"> 


270  MORNING   HYMNS. 


2  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  AWAKE,  my  soul,  and  witli  tlie  sun 
Tliy  daily  stage  of  duty  run; 
Shake  oil"  dull  sloth — and  joyful  rise 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

2  Glory  to  Tiicc,  who  safe  hast  kept, 
And  hast  rcl'rcshed  inc  while  I  slept : 
Grant,  Lord,  when  I  from  death  shall  waka. 
I  may  of  endless  life  partake. 

3  Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day, 
All  I  design,  or  do,  or  say ; 

That  all  my  powers,  with  all  their  might, 
In  thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 

3  HYMN.    L.  M. 

1  GOD  of  the  morning,  at  thy  voice 

The  cheerful  sun  makes  haste  to  rise, 
And  like  a  giant  doth  rejoice 

To  run  his  journey  through  the  skies. 

2  0!   like  the  sun,  may   I  fulfil 

Til'  appointed  duties  of  the  day; 
With  ready  mind,  and  active  will, 

March  on,  and  keep  my  heav'nly  way. 

3  Lord,  thy  commands  arc  clean  and  pure, 

Enliiihtening  our  beclouded  eyes; 
Thy  threafenings  just — thy  promise  sure 
Thy  gospel  makes  the  simi)lc  wise. 

4  Give  me  thy  counsels  for  my  guide, 

And  then  receive  me  to  thy  bli-^s; 
All  my  desires  and  ho|)es  beside 

Arc  faint  and  cold  compared  with  this. 

4  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1   GOD  of  my  life,  my  morning  song 
To  thee  I  cheerful   raise: 
Thy  acts  of  love  't  is  good  to  sing, 
And  pleasant  't  is  to  praise. 


MORNING   HYMNS.  271 


2  Preserv'd  by  thy  almighty  arm, 

I  pass'd  the  shades  of  night, 
Serene,  and  safe  from  every  harm, 
To  see  tlie  morning  light. 

3  While  numbers  spent  the  night  in  sighs. 

And  restless  pains  and  woes, 

In  gentle  sleep  I  closed  my  eyes, 

And  rose  from  sweet  repose. 

4  Oh  let  the  same  almighty  care 

Through  all  this  day  attend : 
From  every  danger — every  snare, 
My  heedless  steps  defend. 

6  Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 
And  guide  my  future  days; 
And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 

5  HYMN.     7's. 

1  THOU  that  dost  my  life  prolong, 
Kindly  aid  my  morning  song ; 
Thankful  from  my  couch  I  rise. 
To  the  God  that  rules  the  skies- 

2  Thou  didst  hear  my  ev'ning  cry ; 
Thy  preserving  hand  was  nigh  ; 
Peaceful  slumbers  thou  hast  shed, 
Grateful  to  my  weary  head. 

3  Thou  hast  kept  me  through  the  night 
'T  was  thy  hand  rcstor'd  the  light: 
Lord,  thy  mercies  still  are  new. 
Plenteous  as  the  morning  dew. 

4  Still  my  feet  are  prone  to  stray; 
Oh  I  preserve  me  through  the  day 
Dangers  every  whcr6  abound; 
Sins  and  snares  beset  me  round. 

6  Gently,  with  the  dawning  ray, 
On  my  soul  thy  beams  display ; 
Sweeter  than  the  smiling  morn, 
Let  thy  cheering  light  return. 


272  MORNING   HYMNS. 


6  HYMN.    L.  M. 

God  our  Defence. 

1  O  LORD,  how  many  are  my  foes, 

In  this  weak  state  of  flesh  and  blood 
My  peace  they  daily  discompose. 
But  my  defence  and  hope  is  God. 

2  Tired  with  the  burdens  of  the  day. 

To  thee  I  raised  an  ev'ning  cry ; 
Thou  heardsf,  when  I  began  to  pray> 
And  thine  almighty  help  was  nigh. 

3  Supported  by  thine  heav'nly  aid, 

I  laid  me  down  and  slept  secure ; 
Not  death  should  make  my  heart  afraid, 
Though  I  should  wake  and  rise  no  more 

4  But  God  sustain'd  me  all  the  night ; 

Salvation  doth  to  God  belong : 
He  raised  my  head  to  see  the  light, 

And  makes  his  praise  my  morning  song 

7  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  THOU,  gracious  Lord,  art  my  defence : 

On  thee  my  hopes  rely ; 
Thou  art  my  glory,  and  shalt  yet 
Lift  up  my  head  on  high. 

2  Guarded  by  him,  I  laid  me  down. 

My  sweet  repose  to  take ; 
For  I  through  him  securely  sleep, 
Through  him  in  safety  wake. 

Salvation  to  the  Lord  belongs; 

He  only  can  defend  ; 
His  blessing  he  extends  to  all 

That  on  his  power  de])cnd. 


MORNING  HYMNS.  273 


HYMN.     S.  M. 


Prayer  for  spiritual  light. 

1  WE  lift  our  hearts  to  Thee, 

Thou  Day-Star  from  on  high ; 
The  sun  itself  is  but  thy  sliade, 
Yet  cheers  both  earth  and  sky 

2  O,  let  thy  rising  beams 

Dispel  the  shades  of  night ; 
And  let  the  glories  of  thy  love 
Come  like  the  morning  light. 

3  How  beauteous  nature  now  I 

How  dark  and  sad  before  1 
With  joy  we  view  the  pleasing  change 
And  nature's  God  adore. 

4  May  we  this  life  improve 

To  mourn  for  errors  past; 
And  live  this  short  revolving  day 
As  if  it  were  our  last. 

9  HYlAIN.     S.  M. 

Morning  Meditation. 

1  AWAKE,  my  drowsy  soul, 

These  airy  visions  chase; 
Awake,  my  active  pow'rs  renew'd, 
To  run  the  heav'nly  race. 

2  See  how  the  rising  sun 

Pursues  his  shining  way; 
And  wide  proclaims  his  Maker's  praise, 
With  ev'ry  bright'ning  ray  I 

3  Thus  would  my  rising  soul 

Her  heav'nly  Parent  sing; 
And  to  her  great  Original 
Her  humble  tribute  bring. 

4  Serene,  I  laid  me  down 

Beneath  his  guardian  care; 
1  slept,  and  I  awoke,  and  found 
My  kind  preserver  near. 
12* 


274  MORNING  HYMNS. 

5  Dear  Saviour,  to  thy  cross, 
I  bring  my  sacrifice ; 
Ting'd  with  thy  blood,  it  shall  ascend 
With  frasrance  to  the  skies. 


10  HYMN.     C.  M. 

God's  goodness  renetced  every  Morning  and  Evening. 

1  GREAT  GOD  !  my  early  vows  to  thee 

With  gratitude  I'll  bring, 
And  at  the  rosy  dawn  of  day 
Thy  lofty  praises  sing. 

2  Thou,  round  the  hcav'nly  arch  dost  draw 

A  dark  and  sable  veil. 
And  all  the  beauties  of  the  world, 
From  mortal  eyes  conceal. 

3  Again  the  sky  with  golden  beams 

Thy  skilful  hands  adorn, 
And  paint,  with  cheerful  splendour  gay 
The  fair  ascending  morn. 

4  And  as  the  gloomy  night  returns, 

Or  smiling  day  renews, 
Thy  constant  goodness  still  my  soul 
With  benefits  pursues. 

5  For  this  will  I  my  vows  to  thee 

With  cv'ning  incense  bring; 
And  at  the  rosy  dawn  of  day 
Thy  lofty  praises  sing. 

11  HYMN.     8.8.6. 

1  ONCE  more  my  eyes  behold  the  day, 
And  to  my  God,  my  soul  would  pay 

Its  tributary  lays : 
O  may  the  life  prcscrv'd  by  thee 
With  all  its  powers  and  blessings  be 
Devoted  to  thy  praise. 


MOENINQ  HYMNS.  275 

2  Beneath  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 
(Israel's  great  Keeper,  King  of  kings) 

My  weary  head  found  rest: 
No  dire  alarms,  or  racking  pains, 
Devouring  flames  or  galling  chains, 

Disturb  my  peaceful  breast. 

3  How  many,  since  I  laid  me  down, 
Have  launch'd  into  a  world  unknown, 

To  meet  a  dreadful  doom ; 
While  some  on  watery  billows  toss'd, 
Or  wand'ring  on  an  unknown  coast, 

Have  sigh'd  in  vain  for  home. 

4  But,  I  am  spar'd  to  see  thy  face, 
A  monument  of  saving  grace. 

And  live  to  praise  thy  name 
Still  be  thou  near,  my  gracious  Lord,  ~ 
To  keep  and  guide ; — and  by  thy  word 

Peace  to  my  soul  proclaim. 

5  Let  me  enjoy  thy  presence  here, 
In  every  storm  my  heart  to  cheer, 

Till  thou  shalt  bid  me  rise, 
Where  sin  and  sorrow  never  come, 
Till  at  my  blest  eternal  home, 

I  wake  in  sweet  surprise. 

12  HYMN.     C.  M. 

The  fear  of  God.     Prov.  xxiii.  17. 

1  THRICE  happy  souls,  who,  born  of  heav*n 

While  yet  they  sojourn  here. 
Humbly  begin  their  days  with  God, 
And  spend  them  in  his  fear. 

2  So  may  our  eyes  with  holy  zeal 

Prevent  the  dawning  day ; 
And  turn  the  sacred  pages  o'er, 
And  praise  thy  name  and  pray. 

3  Midst  hourly  cares  may  love  present 

Its  incense  to  thy  throne ; 
And,  while  the  world  our  hands  employs. 
Our  hearts  be  thine  alone. 


i76  MORNING    HYMNS. 

4  At  niglit  WG  loan  our  weary  heads 
On  thy  paternal  breast  ; 
And,  safely  folded  in  thine  arms, 
Resign  our  powers  to  rest. 

n  In  solid,  pure  delights,  like  these, 
Let  all  my  days  be  past; 
Nor  shall  I   then  impatient  wish, 
Nor  shall  I  fear  the  last. 


13  HY.MN.     7'3. 

1  NOW  the  shades  of  night  are  gonej 
Now  the  morning  light  is  come ; 
Lord,  may  I   be  thine  to-day — 
Drive  the  shades  of  sin  away. 

2  Fill   my  soul  with  hrav'nly  light, 
Banish  doubt,  and  cleanse  my  sight; 
In  thy  service.  Lord,  to-day. 

Help  me  labour,  help  mc  pray 

3  Keep  my  haughty  passions  bound- 
Save  mc  from  my  foes  around ; 
Going  out  and  coming  in. 

Keep  mc  safe  from  ev'ry  sin. 

4  When  my  work  of  life  is  past 
Oh  !  receive  me  then  at  last  f 
Night  of  sin  will   be  no  more, 
When  I   reach  the  heav'niy  shore. 


EVENING   HYMNS.  277 


EVENING  HY2VCNS. 

14  L.  M. 

1  THUS   far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on; 

Thus  far  his  power  |)rolongs  my  days. 
And  ev'ry  ev'ning  shall  make  known 
Some  fresh  memorial  of  his  grace. 

2  Much  of  my  time  has  run  to  waste, 

And  I,  perhaps,  am  near  my  home; 
But  he  forgives  my  follies  past ; 

He  give  me  strength  for  days  to  come. 

8  I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep ; 

Peace  is  the  pillow  for  my  head ; 
While  well  appointed  angels  keep 

Their  watchl'ul  stations  round  my  bed. 

4  Thus,  wheTi  the  night  of  death  shall  come 
Rly  flesh  shall  rest  beneath  the  ground. 
And  wait  thy  voice  to  break  my  tomb, 
With  sweet  salvation  in  the  sound. 

15  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  DREAD  Sov'reign,  let  my  ev'ning  song 

L'lke  holy  incense  rise; 
Assist  the  ofiering  of  my  tongue 
To  reach  the  lofty  skies. 

2  Through  all  the  dangers  of  the  day 

Thy  hand  was  still  my  guard ; 
And  still  to  drive  my  wants  away, 
Thy  mercy  stood  prepar'd. 

3  Perpetual  blessings  from  above 

Encompass  me  around, 
But  oh  !  how  Cow  returns  of  love 
Hath  my  Redeemer  found ! 

4  What  have  I  done  for  him  who  died 

To  save  my  guilty  soul  ? 
Alas!  my  sins  are  multiplied, 
Fast  as  mv  m-nutes  roll! 
Y 


278  EVllNING  HYMNS. 

6  Yet,  with  this  guilty  heart  of  mine, 
Lord,  to  thy  cross  I  flee, 
And  to  thy  grace  my  soul  resign, 
To  be  rencw'd  by  thee. 

16  HYMN.     S.  M. 

1  GREAT  God,  to  thee  my  ev'ning  song 

^V'ilh  hunibic  gratitude  1  raise; 
Oh  let  tliy  mercy  tune  my  tongue. 
And  fill  my  heart  >vilh  lively  praise. 

2  My  days  unclouded  as  they  pass, 

And  ev'ry  gently  rolling  hour, 
Arc  monuments  of  wond'rous  grace, 
And  witness  to  thy  love  and  pow'r. 

3  Thy  love  and  pow'r,  celestial  guard, 

Preserve  me  from  surrounding  harm: 
Can  danger  reach  me  while  the  Lord 
Extends  his  kind,  protecting  arm? 

4  Let  this  blest  hope  my  eyelids  close 

With  sle(>p  refresh  my  feeble  frame  : 
Safe  in  thy  care  may  1  repose. 

And  wake  with  praises  to  thy  name, 

17  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  GLORY  to  thee,  my  God,  this  night, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light  ; 
Keep  me,  O  keep  me.  King  of  kings, 
Beneath  thine  own  almighty  wings. 

2  Forgive  me,  liord,  for  thy  dear  Son, 
The  ill  that  I  this  day  have  done  ; 

.  That  with  the  world,  myself,  and  thee, 
I,  ere  I  sleep,  at  peace  may  be. 

3  Let  my  blest  guardian,  while  I  sl(;ep. 
His  watchful  station  near  me  keep, 
My  heart  with  love  celestial  fill, 

And  guard  me  from  th'  approach  of  ill. 


EVENING   HYMNS.  270 

4  Teach  me  to  live,  that  I  may  dread 
The  grave  as  little  as  my  bed ; 
Teach  me  to  die,  that  so  I  may 
Rise  glorious  at  the  awful  day. 

18  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  INDULGENT  God,  whose  bounteous  care 

O'er  all  thy  works  is  shown. 
Oh  let  my  grateful  praise  and  prayer 
Arise  before  thy  throne. 

2  What  mercies  has  this  day  bestow'd! 

How  largely  hast  thou  blest! 

My  cup  with  plenty  overllow'd, 

With  cheerfulness  my  breast. 

3  Now  may  soft  slumber  close  my  eyes, 

From  pain  and  sickn(!ss  free ; 
And  let  my  waking  thoughts  arise, 
To  meditate  on  thee. 

4  Thus  bless  each  future  day  and  night, 

Till  life's  vain  scene  is  o'er; 
And  then  to  realms  of  endless  light,  - 

Oh  let  my  spirit  soar. 

19  HYMN.     S.  M. 

1  ANOTHER  day  is  past, 

The  hours  forever  fled; 
And  time  is  bearing  me  away, 
To  mingle  with  the  dead. 

2  My  mind  in  perfect  peace 

My  Father's  care  shall  keep 
I  yield  to  gentle  slumber  now 
For  thou  canst  never  sleep. 

3  How  blessed.  Lord,  are  they 

On  thee  securely  staved! 
Nor  shall  they  be  in  life  alarmed 
Nor  be  in  death  dismayed. 


2*^0  EVKNINO    HYMNS. 


20  HYMN.     S.  M. 

1  TPTE  day  is  past  and  gone, 

The  ev'ning  shades  appear; 
Oh,  may  I  ever  keep  in  mind, 
Tlie  night  of  death  draws  near. 

2  Lord,  keep  me  safe  this  night, 

Secure  from  all  my  fears; 
May  angels  guard  me  while  I  sleep, 
Till  morning  light  appears. 

3  And  when  I  early  rise. 

To  view  th'  unwearied  sun, 
May  I  set  out  to  win  the  prize, 
And  after  glory  run. 

4  Lord,  when  my  days  are  past. 

And  I  from  time  remove, 
O  may  I  in  thy  bosom  rest, 
The  bosom  of  thy  love. 

21  HYMN.     7's. 

1  SOFTLY  now  the  light  of  day 
Fades  upon  my  sight  away ; 
Free  from  care — from  labour  free. 
Lord,  I  would  commune  with  thee. 

2  Soon,  for  me,  the  light  of  day 
Shall  for  ever  pass  away : 
Then  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
Take  me.  Lord,  to  dwell  with  thoe! 

22  HYMN.     C.  M. 
Evening  Prayer  and  Praise, 

1  INDULGENT  Fatlicr,  by  whose  care, 
I've  pass'd  anothor  day, 
Let  me  this  night  thy  mercy  share ; 
O,  teach  mc  how  to  j)ray. 


EVENING    HYMNS.  281 


2  Show  mc  my  sins,  that  I  may  mourn 

My  guilt  before  thy  face; 
Direct  me,  Lord,  to  Clirist  alone, 
And  save  me  by  thy  grace. 

3  Let  each  returning  night  declare 

The  tokens  of  thy  love ; 
And  ev'ry  hour  thy  grace  prepare 
My  soul  for  joys  above. 

4  And  when  on  earth  I  close  mine  eyes. 

To  sleep  in  death's  embrace. 
Let  me  to  heav'n  and  glory  rise, 
To  see  thy  smiling  face. 

23  HYMN.     7's. 
Evening  Communion  rcith  God. 

1  NOW,  from  labour  and  from  care, 
Twilight  shades  have  set  me  free  ; 
In  the  work  of  praise  and  pray'r 
Lord,  I  would  converse  with  thee. 
O,  behold  me  from  above. 

Fill  me  with  a  Saviour's  love. 

2  Sin  and  sorrow,  guilt  and  wo. 
Wither  all  my  earthly  joys  ; 
Nought  can  charm  me  here  below, 
But  my  Saviour's  melting  voice, 
Lord,  forgive  ;  thy  grace  restore  ; 
Make  me  thine  for  evermore. 

3  For  the  blessings  of  this  day, 
For  the  mercies  of  this  hour. 
For  the  gospel's  cheering  ray. 
For  the  Spirit's  quick'ning  pow'r. 
Grateful  notes  to  thee  I  raise; 

O,  accept  my  song  of  praise. 

24  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  IN  mercy,  Lord,  remember  me, 
Through  all  the  hours  of  night. 
And  grant  to  me  most  graciously 
The  safeguard  of  thv  might. 
Y2 


282  EVENING  HYMNS. 

2  With  cheerful  heart  I  close  my  eyes 

Since  thou  wilt  not  remove; 
Oh,  in  the  morning  let  me  rise, 
Rejoicing  in  thy  love ! 

3  Or,  if  this  night  should  prove  the  last. 

And  end  my  transient  days  ; 
Lord,  take  me  to  thy  promis'd  rest. 
Where  I  may  sing  thy  praise. 

25  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  FATHER,  by  saints  on  earth  ador'd, 

By  saints  beyond  the  skies, 
Accept,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord, 
Our  ev'ning  sacrifice. 

2  If  kept  to-day  from  wilful  sin. 

We  magnify  thy  grace ; 
Thou  hast  our  kind  preserver  been, 
And  thine  be  all  the  praise. 

3  We  live  to  testify  the  grace, 

Which  sure  salvation  brings ; 
And  sink  to  night  in  thine  embrace, 
And  rest  beneath  thy  wings. 

4  But  whether.  Lord,  we  wake  or  sleep, 

The  charge  of  love  divine. 
We  trust  thy  providence  to  keep 
Our  souls  for  ever  thine. 


26  HYMN.     8's  &  7's. 

1  SAVIOUR,  breathe  an  ev'ning  blessing, 

Ere  repose  our  spirits  seal : 
Sin  and  want  we  come  confessing, 

Thou  canst  save,  and  thou  canst  Iieal. 
Though  destruction  walk  around  us, 

Though  the  arrow  past  us  fly, 
Angel-guards  from  thee  surround  us, 

We  are  safe,  if  thou  art  nigh 


EVENING  HYMNS.  283 

Thougli  the  night  be  dark  and  dreary, 

Darkness  cannot  hide  from  thee ; 
Thou  art  He,  who,  never  weary, 

Watchest  where  thy  people  he ; 
Should  swift  death  this  night  o'ertake  us, 

And  our  couch  become  our  tomb ; 
May  the  morn  in  heav'n  awake  us, 

Clad  in  liaht  and  deathless  bloom! 


27  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  O  LORD,  another  day  is  flown. 

And  we,  a  lonely   band, 
Are  met  once  more  before  thy  throne, 
To  bless  thy  fost'ring  hand. 

2  And  wilt  thou  bend  a  list'ning  ear 

To  praises  low  as  ours? 
Thou  wilt !  for  thou  dost  love  to  hear 
The  song  which  meekness  pours. 

3  And,  Jesus,  thou  thy  smiles  wilt  deign. 

As  we  before  thee  pray  ; 
For  thou  didst  bless  the  infant  train, 
And  we  are  less  than  they. 

4  Oh,  let  thy  grace  perform  its  part, 

And  let  contentions  cease ; 
And  shed  abroad  m  ev'ry  heart 
Thine  everlasting  peace. 

28  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  THE  night  shall  hoar  me  raise  my  song. 
And  in  her  silent  courts  my  tongue 
Shall  pour  the  solitary  lay, 

For  all  the  mercies  of  ihc  day. 

2  Nor  will  my  God  disdain  to  hoar 

The  sigh  I  breathe — the  fervent  pray'r: 
When,  sinking  to  oblivious  rest, 
I  seek  the  pillow  of  his  breast. 


284  EVENING    HYMNS. 

3  And  when  the  blushing  morn  sliall  rise. 
To  tinge  with  gold  the  eastern  skies; 
With  strength  renow'd,  my  thankful  lay 
Shall  hail  the  new-born  beams  of  day. 

29  HYMN.     8's. 

1  INSPIRER  and  IKnrer  of  pray'r, 

Before  whom  a  sinner  may  bend; 
My  all  to  thy  covenant  care, 
I  sleeping  or  waking  commend. 

2  If  thou  art  my  shield  and  my  sun, 

The  night  is  no  darkness  to  me; 
And  fast  as  my  moments  roll  on, 
They  bring  mc  but  nearer  to  thee. 

3  From  evil  secure,  and  its  dread, 

I  rest,  if  my  Saviour  be  nigh ; 
And  songs  his  kind  presence  indeed, 
Shall  in  the  night  season  supply. 

4  He  smiles,  and  my  comforts  abound; 

His  grace  as  the  dew  shall  descend* 
And  walls  of  salvation  surround 
Tlie  soul  lie  deii'rhts  to  defend. 


30  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  IN  all  my  vast  concerns  with  thee, 

In  vain  my  soul  would  try 
To  shun  thy  presence,  Lord,  or  flee 
The  notice  of  lliine  eye. 

2  Thy  all-surrounding  sight  surveys 

My   ri.^ing  and  my  rest, 
My  public  walks,  my  private  ways, 
And  secrets  of  my  breast. 

3  My  thoughts  lie  open  to  ihc  Lord, 

Hefore  they're  form'd   within ; 
And  ere  my  lips  pronounce  llie  word, 
He  knows  the  sense  I  mean. 


EVENING  HYMNS.  285 

Oh  wondrous  knowledge,  deep  and  high, 

Where  can  a  creature  hide? 
Within  thy  circling  arms  I  lie, 

Enclos'd  on  ev'ry  side. 

5  So  let  thy  grace  surround  me  still, 
And  like  a  bulwark  prove, 
To  guard  my  soul  from  ev'ry  ill, 
Secur'd  by  sov'rcign  love. 

31  HYMxN.     C.  M. 

1  LORD,  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray 

I  am  for  ever  thine : 
I  fear  before  thee  all  the  day, 
Nor  would  1  dare  to  sin. 

2  And  while  I  rest  my  weary  head, 

From  cares  and  business  free, 
'Tis  sweet  conversing  on  my  bed 
With  my  own  heart  and  thee. 

3  I  pay  this  evenmg  sacrifice ; 

And  when  my  work  is  done, 
Great  God,  my  faith  and  hope  relies 
Upon  thy  grace  alone. 

4  Thus  with  my  thoughts  compos'd  to  peace, 

I'll  give  mine  eyes  to  sleep  ; 

Thy  hand  in  safety  keeps  my  days, 

And  will  my  slumbci's  keep. 

32  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Saturday  J^ight. 

1  BEGONE,  my  worldly  cares,  away, 

Nor  dare  to  tempt  my  sight ; 
Let  me  begin  th'  ensuing  day, 
Before  1  end  this  night. 

2  Yes,  let  the  work  of  pray'r  and  praise 

Employ  my  heart  and  tongue; 
Begin,  my  soul ; — thy  Sabbath  days 
Can  never  be  too  lonir. 


286  MORNING   OR   EVENING    UYMN8. 

3  Let  the  past  mercies  of  the  week 

Excite  a  grateful  frame; 
Nor  let  my  tongue  refuse  to  speak 
Some  good  of  Jesus'  name. 

4  On  wings  of  expectation  borne, 

My  hoj)f's  to  heav'n  ascend ; 

I  long  to  welcome  in  the  morn, 

With  thee  tlie  day  to  spend. 

3  t  HYMN.     7's. 

Sahbalh-Eve.     Heb.  iv.  9. 

1  SAFELY  through  another  week, 
God  has  brought  us  on  our  way ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek, 

On  th'  approaching  Sabbath  day. 
Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

2  When  tlie  morn  shall  bid  us  rise. 
May  we  feel  thy  presence  near! 
May  thy  glory  meet  our  eyes 
When  we  in  thy  house  appear 
There  afibrd  us,  Lord,  a  taste 
Of  our  everlasting  feast. 


IVIORNZNG  on  EVENING  KYIilNS. 
34  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Jl  Ilijmii'for  JMorning  or  Evening. 

1  MY  Ciod,  how  endless  is  thy  iove ! 

Thy  gifts  are  ev'ry  evening  new; 
And  morning  mercies  from  above 
.Gently  distil  like  early  dew. 

2  Thou  sprrad'st  the  curtains  of  the  night, 

Great  (uiardian  of  my  sleeping  hours; 
Thy  sov'reign  word  restores  the  light, 
And  fpiitrkens  all  my  drowsy  pow'ra 


MORNING  OR  EVENING  HYMNS.  287 

3  I  yie.d  my  pow'rs  to  thy  command, 
To  thee  1  consecrate  my  days ; 
Perpetual  blessings  from  lliiuc  hand 
Demand  perpetual  songs  of  praise. 


35  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  nOSANNA,  with  a  cheerful  sound, 

To  God's  upholding  hand ; 
Ten  thousand  snares  attend  us  round. 
And  yet  secure  we  stand. 

2  That  was  a  most  amazing  pow'r 

That  rais'd  us  with  a  word ; 
And  ev'ry  day,  and  ev'ry  hour, 
We  lean  upon  the  Lord. 

3  The  rising  morn  cannot  assure 

Tnat  we  shall  end  the  day ; 
For  death  stands  ready  at  the  door 
To  hurry  us  away. 

4  Our  life  is  forfeited  by  sin 

To  God's  avenging  law; 
We  own  thy  grace,  immortal  King, 
In  ev'ry  breath  we  draw. 

5  God  is  our  sun — whose  daily  light 

Our  joy  and  safety  brings ; 
Our  feeble  frame  lies  safe  at  niiiht. 
Beneath  his  shady  wings. 


36  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  ON  iheo,  each  morning,  O  my  God, 

My  waking  thoughts  attend ; 
Tn  thee  are  founded  all  my  hopes. 
In  thee  my  wishes  end. 

2  My  soul,  in  pleasing  wonder  lost. 

Thy  boundless  love  surveys; 
And,  f.r'd  with  grateful  zeal,  prepares 
A  sacrifice  of  praise. 


288  TAMILY   RELIGION. 

3  When  cv'iiing  slumbers  press  my  eyes. 

With  his  protection  blest, 

In  peace  and  safety  I  commit 

My  weary  limbs  to  rest. 

4  My  spirit,  in  his  hand  secure, 

Fears  no  approaching  ill ; 
For,  whether  waking  or  asleep. 
Thou,  Lord,  art  with  me  still. 

37  PIYMN.     L.  M. 

Daily  Devotion. 

1  MY  God,  accept  my  early  vows. 
Like  morning  incense  in  thine  house ; 
And  let  my  nightly  worship  rise, 
Sweet  as  the  ev'ning  sacrifice. 

2  Watch  o'er  my  lips,  and  guard  them,  Lord, 
From  every  rash  and  heedless  word ; 

Nor  let  my  feet  incline  to  tread 
The  guilty  path  where  sinners  lead. 

3  Oh,  may  the  righteous,  when  I  stray, 
Smite,  and  reprove  my  wandering  way; 
Their  gentle  words,  like  ointment  shed, 
Shall  never  bruise,  but  cheer  my  head. 

4  When  I  behold  them  press'd  with  grief, 
I'll  cry  to  heaven  for  their  relief; 
And  by  my  warm  petitions,  prove 
How  much  I  prize  their  faithful  love. 


FAIMZILY  RELIGION', 

38  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1   FATHER  of  all,  thy  care  we  bless. 
Which  crowns  our  liimilios  with  peace; 
From  thee  they  spring,  and  by  thy  hanil 
They  huvt;  been,  and  are  still  sustain'd. 


FAMILY   RELIGION.  289 

2  To  God,  most  worthy  to  be  prais'd, 
Be  our  domestic  altars  rais'd ; 

Who,  Lord  of  heav'n,  scorns  not  to  dwell 
With  saints  in  their  obscurest  cell. 

3  To  thee  may  each  united  house, 
Morning  and  night  present  its  vows ; 
Our  servants  there,  and  rising  race, 
Be  taught  thy  precepts,  and  thy  grace. 

4  Oh,  may  each  future  age  proclaim 
The  honours  of  thy  glorious  name; 
While,  pleas'd  ana  ihankful,  we  remove 
To  join  the  family  above. 


39  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Love  to  the  Brethren. 

1  Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds 

Our  hearts  in  Christian  love; 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above. 

2  Before  our  Father's  throne 

We  pour  our  ardent  prayers; 
Our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  aims*,  are  one, 
Our  comforts  and  our  cares. 

3  We  share  our  mutual  woes ; 

Our  mutual  burdens  bear; 
And  often  for  each  other  flows 
The  sympathizing  tear. 

4  When  we  asunder  part. 

It  gives  us  inward  pain ; 
But  we  shall  still  be  join'd  in  heart. 
And  hope  to  meet  again. 

5  This  glorious  hope  revives 

Our  courage  by  the  way; 
While  each  in  expectation  lives, 

And  longs  to  see  the  day. 
13  Z 


290  FAMILY   RELIGION. 

6  From  sorrow,  toil,  and  pain, 
And  sin,  we  shall   be  free  ; 
And  perfect  love  and  friendship  reign 
Through  all  eternity. 


40  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  LO  !  what  an  entertaining  sight, 

Those  friendly  brethren  prove, 
Whose  cheerful  hearts  in  bands  unite, 
Of  harmony  and  love .' 

2  Where  streams  of  bliss,  from  Christ  the  spring, 

Descend  to  every  soul ; 
And  heav'nly  peace,  with  balmy  wing. 
Shades  and  bedews  the  whole. 

3  Tis  pleasant  as  the  morning  dews, 

That  fall  on  Zion's  hill; 
Where  God  his  mildest  glory  shows, 
And  makes  his  grace  distil. 


41  HYMN.    S.  M. 

1  BLEST  are  the  sons  of  peace, 

Whose  hearts -and  hopes  are  one; 
Whose  kind  designs  to  serve  and  please 
Through  all  their  actions  run. 

2  Blest  is  the  pious  house. 

Where  zeal  and  friendship  meet ; 
Their  songs  of  praise — their  mingled  vowi. 
Make  their  communion  sweet. 

3  From  those  celestial  springs 

Such  streams  of  pleasure  flow, 
As  no  increase  of  riches  brings, 
.  Nor  honours  can  bestow. 

4  Thus  on  the  heavenly  hills 

The  sainis  are  blest  above ; 
Where  joy,  like  morning  dew,  distils. 
And  all  the  air  is  love. 


FAMILY   RELIGION.  291 


42  HYMN.    S.  P.  M. 

1  HOW  pleasant  'tis  to  see 
Kindred  and  friends  agree, 

Each  in  hi&  proper  station  move; 

And  each  fulfil  his  part, 

With  sympathizing  heart, 
In  all  the  cares  of  life  and  love! 

2  Like  fruitful  showers  of  rain, 
That  water  all  the  plain, 

Descending  from  the  neighbouring  hills  , 

Such  streams  of  pleasure  roll 

Through  every  friendly  soul, 
Where  love,  like  heav'nly  dew,  distils. 

43  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  AUTHOR  of  good— to  thee  we  turn : 

Thine  ever  wakeful  eye 
Alone  can  all  our  wants  discern — 
Thy  hand  alone  supply. 

2  O  let  thy  love  within  us  dwell. 

Thy  fear  our  footsteps  guide; 
That  love  shall  vainer  loves  expel, 
That  fear  all  fears  beside. 

3  And  O,  by  error's  force  subdued. 

Since  oft,  by  stubborn  will, 
We  blindly  shun  the  latent  good, 
And  grasp  the  specious  ill; — 

4  Not  what  we  wish — but  what  we  want, 

Let  mercy  still  supply: 
The  good  we  ask  not.  Father,  grant— 
The  ill  we  ask — deny. 

44  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  GOD  of  our  fathers !  by  whose  hand 
Thy  people  still  are  blest. 
Be  with  us  through  our  pilgrimage, 
Conduct  us  to  our  rest. 


292  FAMILY    RHLIGIO.V. 

2  Througli  each  perplexing  path  of  Ufe 

Our  wandering  Ibot-steps  guide; 
Give  us  each  day  our  daily  bread, 
And  raiment  fit  provide 

3  O  spread  thy  sheltering  wings  around, 

Till  all  our  wanderings  cease. 
And  at  our  Father's  lov'd  abode 
Our  souls  arrive  in  peace. 

4  Such  blessings  from  thy  gracious  hand 

Our  humble  prayers  implore; 
And  thou,  the  Lord,  shall  be  our  God 
And  portion  evermore. 

45  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  THOU,  Lord,  through  every  changing  scent 
Hast  to  the  saints  a  refuge  been ; 
Through  every  age,  eternal  God ! 

Their  pleasing  home — their  safe  abode. 

2  In  ihcc  our  fathers  sought  their  rest, 
And  wore  with  thy  protection  blest; 
Behold  their  sons,  a  feeble  race ! 
We  come  to  fill  our  fathers'  place. 

3  Through  all  the  thorny  paths  wc  tread, 
Ere  we  are  numbcr'd  with  the  dead, 
When  friends  desert — and  foes  invade. 
Be  thou  our  all-sufficient  aid  ! 

4  And  when  this  pilgrimage  is  o'er. 
And  we  must  dwell  on  earth  no  more. 
To  thee,  great  God  !  may  we  ascend, 
And  find  an  everlasting  friend. 

5  To  thee  our  infant  r.ncc  we'll  leave; 
Them  may  their  fathers'  God  receive; 
'That  voices,  yet  unforin'd,  may  raise 
Succeeding  hyiiuis  of  humble  praise. 


SABBATH   MORNING.  293 

SABBATH   IMEORNINO, 

46  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  LORD,  in  the  morning  thou  shall  hear 

My  voice  ascending  high ; 
To  thee  will  I  direct  my  prayer, 
To  thee  lift  up  mine  eye ; — 

2  Up  to  the  hills,  where  Christ  is  gone 

To  plead  for  all  his  saints. 
Presenting  at  his  Father's  throne 
Our  songs  and  our  complaints. 

3  Thou  art  a  God,  before  whose  sight 

The  wicked  shall  not  stand  ; 

Sinners  shall  ne'er  be  thy  delight. 

Nor  dwell  at  thy  right  hand. 

4  But  to  thy  house  will  I  resort, 

To  taste  thy  mercies  there ; 
I  will  frequent  thine  holy  court. 
And  worship  in  thy  fear. 

6  Oh  may  thy  Spirit  guide  my  feel 
In  ways  of  righteousness. 
Make  every  path  of  duty  straight, 
And  plain  before  my  face. 

47  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  SOON  as  the  morning  rays  appear, 

I'll  lift  my  eyes  above; 
My  voice  shall  reach  thy  listening  ear. 
And  supplicate  thy  love. 

2  Within  thy  house  my  voice  shall  rise 

Before  thy  mercy-seat ; 
There  will  I  fix  my  steadfast  eyes, 
And  worship  at  thy  feet. 

3  In  righteousness  thy  strength  display, 

And  my  protection  be ; 
Teach  me  to  know  that  only  way, 
Which  leads  to  heav'n  and  thee. 
Z2 


£94  SABBATH   MORNING. 

48  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Tlie  Sabbath  welcomed. 

1  WELCOME,  sweet  day  of  rest, 

That  saw  the  Lord  arise ; 
Welcome  to  this  reviving  breast, 
And  these  rejoicing  eyes ! 

2  Jesus  himself  comes  near, 

And  feasts  his  saints  to-day ; 
Here  we  may  sit,  and  see  him  here. 
And  love,  and  praise,  and  pray. 

3  One  day,  amid  the  place 

Where  God  my  Saviour's  been, 
Is  sweeter  than  ten  thousand  days 
Of  pleasure  and  of  sin. 

4  My  willing  soul  would  stay 

In  such  a  frame  as  this, 
Till  call'd  to  rise,  and  soar  away, 
To  everlasting  bliss. 

49  HYMN.     P.  M. 

1  WELCOME,  delightful  morn! 

Thou  day  of  sacred  rest ; 
I  hail  thy  kind  return ; 

Lord  make  these  moments  blest. 
From  low  delights,  and  mortal  toys, 
I  soar  to  reach  immortal  joys. 

2  Now  may  the  King  descend, 

And  fill  his  throne  of  grace ; 
Thy  sceptre,  Lord,  extend, 

While  saints  address  thy  face; 
Let  sinners  feel  thy  qiiick'ning  word, 
And  learn  to  know  and  fear  the  Lord. 

3  Descend,  celestial  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  powers; 
Disclose  a  Saviour's  love. 

And  bless  these  sacred  hours: 
Then  shall  my  soul  new  life  obtain, 
Nor  Sabbaths  be  indulii'd  in  vain. 


SABBATH    MORNING.  295 

50  IlYlMN.      lO's, 

1  HAIL,  happy  day  !  thou  day  of  holy  nst ! 
What  hcav'nly  peace  and  transport  fill  our  breast, 
When  Christ,  the  God  of  grace,  in  love  descends, 
And  kindly  holds  communion  with  his  friends. 

2  Let  earth  and  all  its  vanities  be  gone, 

Move  from  my  sight,  and  leave  my  soul  alone ; 
Its  flattering,  fading  glories  I  despise, 
And  to  immortal  beauties  turn  my  eyes. 

3  Fain  would  I  mount  and  penetrate  the  skies, 
And  on  my  Saviour's  glories  f\  my  eyes  : 
Oh!  meet  my  rising  soul,  thou  God  of  love. 
And  wafl.  it  to  the  blissful  realms  above! 

51  HYMN.     L.  M. 

The  Rest  of  the   Sabbath. 

1  ANOTHER  six  days'  work  is  done ; 

Another  Sabbath  is  begun  : 
Return,  my  soul — enjoy  thy  rest  ; 
Improve  the  day  thy  God  has  blest. 

2  Oh  that  our  thoughts  and  thanks  may  rise, 
As  grateful  incense,  to  the  skies ; 

And  draw  from  heav'n  that  sweet  repose, 
Which  none  but  he  that  feels  it  knows. 

3  This  heav'nly  calm  within  the  breast! 
The  dearest  pledge  of  glorious  rest. 
Which  for  the  church  of  God  remains — 
The  end  of  cares — the  end  of  pains. 

4  With  joy,  great  God,  thy  works  we  vifc.v 
In  varied  scenes,  both  old  and  new; 
With  praise,  we  think  on  mercies  past 
With  hope,  we  future  pleasures  taste. 

6  In  holy  duties  let  the  day — 
In  holy  pleasures,  pass  away; 
Ho\v  sweet,  a  Sabbath  thus  to  spend 
In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end. 


29G  SABBATH   MORNING. 

52  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  COME,  let  us  join  with  sweet  accord 

In  hymns  around  the  throne; 
This  is  the  day  our  rising  Lord 
Hath  made,  and  call'd  his  own. 

2  This  is  the  day  which  God  hath  blest, 

The  brightest  of  the  seven  ; 
Type  of  that  everlasting  rest, 
The  saints  enjoy  in  heav'n. 

53  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Preparation  for  the  Duties  of  the  Sabbath  implored 

1  COME,  dearest  Lord,  and  bless  this  day; 
Come,  bear  our  thoughts  from  earth  away ; 
Now,  let  our  noblest  passions  rise 
With  ardour  to  their  native  skies. 

2  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  all  divine. 
With  rays  •f  light  upon  us  shine; 
And  let  our  waiting  souls  be  blest 
On  this  sweet  day  of  sacred  rest. 

3  Then,  when  our  Sabbaths  here  arc  o'er, 
And  we  arrive  on  Canaan's  shore, 
With  all  the  ransom'd,  we  shall  spend 
A  Sabbatii  which  shall  never  end. 

54  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  GREAT  God!  this  sacred  day  of  thine 

Demands  the  soul's  collected  pow'rs; 
With  joy  we  now  to  thee  resign 

'i'hesc  sol(,'mn,  consecrated  hours  : 
Oh  may  our  souls  adoring  own 
The  grace  that  calls  us  to  thy  throne. 

2  All-seeing  God  !  thy  piercing  eye 

Can  every  secret  thought  explore; 
May  worldly  cares  our  bosoms  fly, 

And  where  thou  art  intrude  no  more 
Oh  may  thy  grace  our  spirits  move. 
And  fix  our  minds  on  tJMn^s  above ' 


SABBATH   MORNING.  297 

3  Thy  Spirit's  powerful  aid  impart, 

And  bid  thy  word,  with  Ule  divine, 
Engage  the  i;ar — and  warm  the  heart; 

Then  shall  the  day  indeed  be  thine: 
Our  souls  shall  then  adoring  own 
The  grace  that  calls  us  to  thy  throne. 

55  HYMN.     P.  M. 

Resurrection  of  Christ  celebrated. 

1  AWAKE,  our  drowsy  souls. 

And  burst  the  slothful  band  ; 
The  wonders  of  this  day 

Our  noblest  songs  demand  : 
Auspicious  morn !  thy  blissful  rays 
Bright  seraphs  hail,  in  songs  of  praise. 

2  At  thy  approaching  dawn, 

Reluctant  death  rcsign'd 
The  glorious  Prince  of  life. 

In  dark  domains  confin'd 
Th'  angelic  host  around  him  bonds, 
And  midst  their  shouts  the  God  ascends. 

3  All  hail,  triumphant  Lord ! 

Heav'n  with  hosannas  rings ; 
While  earth,  in  humbler  strains, 

Thy  praise  responsive  sings ! 
"  Worthy  art  thou,  who  once  wast  slain 
Through  endless  years  to  live  and  reign." 

4  Gird  on,  great  God,  thy  sword, 

Ascend  thy  conqu'ring  car, 
While  justice,  truth,  and  love, 

Maintain  the  glorious  war : 
Victorious,  thou  thy  foes  shalt  tread, 
And  sin  and  hell  in  triumph  lead. 

56  HYMN.    C.  M. 

1  AGAIN  the  Lord  of  life  and  light 

Awakes  the  kindling  ray ; 
Dispels  the  darkness  of  the  night, 

And  pours  increasi  ^^y. 
13* 


298  SABBATH    MORNING, 

2  Oh  !  what  a  niyht  was  that,  which  wrapt 

A  sinful   world  in  glocjiii ! 
Oh  '  what  a  Sun,  which  broi^e,  this  day, 
Triumphant  from  the  tomb! 

3  This  day  be  grateful  homage  paid, 

And  loud  hosannas  sung ; 
Let  gladness  dwell  in  ev'ry  heart, 
And  praise  on  ev'iy  tongue. 

4  Ten  thousand  thousand  lips  shall  join 

To  hail  this  welcome  morn. 
Which  scatters  blessings  from  its  winsa 
To  nations  yet  unborn. 


57  HYMN.     7's. 

1  SAFELY  through  another  week, 

God  has  brought  us  on  our  way ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek, 

Waiting  in  his  courts  to-day; 
Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

2  While  we  sock  supplies  of  grace, 

Through  the  dear  Redeemer's  name; 
Show  thy  reconciling  face — 

Take  away  our  sin  and  shame ; 
From  our  worldly  cares  set  free. 
May  we  rest  this  day  in  thee. 

3  May  the  gospel's  joyful  sound 

Conquer  sinners — comfort  saints; 
MaKC  the  fruits  of  grace  abound, 
,    Bring  relief  from  all  complaints: 
Thus  let  all  our  Sabbaths  prove, 
Till  we  join  the  church  above. 


SABBATH  MORNING.  299 


58  HYMN.     7's. 
The  Sabbath  Morning. 

1  IN  this  calm  impressive  hour, 
Let  my  pray'r  ascend  on  high ; 
God  of  mercy,  God  of  pow'r, 
Hear  me  when  to  thee  I  cry : 
Hear  me  from  thy  lofty  throne, 
For  the  sake  of  Christ  thy  Son. 

2  With  this  morning's  early  ray, 
While  the  shades  of  night  depart, 
Let  thy  beams  of  light  convey 
Joy  and  gladness  to  my  heart: 
Now  o'er  all  my  steps  preside, 
And  for  all  my  wants  provide. 

3  O  what  joy  that  word  affords, 
"Thou  shalt  reign  o'er  all  the  earth;** 
King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords, 
Send  thy  gospel  heralds  forth: 

Now  begin  thy  boundless  sway, 
Usher  in  the  glorious  day. 

59  HYMN.     C.  M. 

The  Resurrection  Sabbath. 

1  BLEST  morning,  whose  first  dawning  rayfi 

Beheld  our  rising  God ; 
That  saw  him  triumph  o'er  the  dust, 
And  leave  his  dark  abode! 

2  In  the  cold  prison  of  the  tomb 

Our  dear  Redeemer  lay, 
Till  the  revolving  skies  had  brought 
The  third,  th'  appointed  day. 

3  Hell  and  the  grave  unite  their  force 

To  hold  our  God  in  vain ; 
The  sleeping  conqueror  arose, 
And  burst  their  feeble  chain. 


800  SABBATH   EVENING 

4  To  thy  great  name,  Almighty  Lord, 
These  sacred  hours  we  pay, 
And  loud  nosannas  shall  proclaim 
The  triumph  of  the  day. 

60  UYUN.     C.  M. 

1  WHEN,  on  the  third  auspicious  day, 

While  yet  the  blushing  dawn 
Shed  forth  its  earliest  smiling  ray 
To  gild  the  rising  morn ; 

2  The  "  holy  women"  sought  the  place 

Where  their  belov'd  was  laid, 
And  shining  angels  preach'd  the  grace 
That  rais'd  him  from  the  dead; 

3  They  hasted  from  the  hallow'd  ground, 

Where  his  dear  flesh  had  Iain, 
To  tell  his  mourning  friends  around, 
That  Jesus  lives  again. 

4  This  day,  as  days  of  older  tunc. 

Is  one  of  hcav'nly  joy ; 
Good  tidings  reach  to  ev'ry  clime, 
And  ev'ry  tongue  employ. 


SABBATH  EVBNINa, 

61  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  FREQUENT  the  day  of  God  returns 

To  shed  its  quick'ning  beams; 

And  yet  how  slow  devotion  burns, 

How  languid  are  its  flames! 

2  Accept  our  faint  attempts  to  love ; 

Our  frailties,  Lord,  forgive  : 

We  would  be  like  thy  saints  above. 

And  praise  thee  wiiile  we  live. 

8  increase,  0  Lord,  our  fTilh  and  liope^ 
And  fit  us  to  ascend, 
Where  the  assembly  ne'er  breaks  up 
Tho  Sabbath  ne'er  shall  end; 


SABBATH   EVENING.  ZQ" 

4  Where  we  shall  breathe  in  heav'nly  air, 

With  heav'nly  lustre  shine ; 
Before  the  throne  of  God  appear, 
And  feast  on  love  divine; 

5  Where  we,  in  high  seraphic  strains, 

Shall  all  our  pow'rs  employ ; 
Delighted  range  th'  ethereal  plains. 
And  take  our  fill  of  joy. 

63  HYMN.     L.  M. 

The  Eternal  Sabbath.     Hcb.  iv.  9. 

1  THINE  earthl}  Sabbaths,  Lord,  we  love, 
But  there's  a  nobler  rest  above ; 

To  that  our  longing  souls  aspire, 
With  ardent  pangs  of  strong  desire. 

2  No  more  fatigue,  no  more  distress, 
Nor  sin,  nor  hell,  shall  reach  the  place; 
No  groans  to  mingle  with  the  songs, 
Which  warble  from  immortal  tongues. 

3  No  rude  alarms  of  raging  foes  ; 
No  cares  to  break  the  long  repose ; 
No  midnight  shade,  no  clouded  sun, 
Obscures  the  lustre  of  thy  throne, 

4  Around  thy  throne,  grant  we  may  meet, 
And  give  us  but  the  lowest  seat ; 
We'll  shout  thy  praise,  and  join  the  song 
Of  the  triumphant,  holy  throng. 

03  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  IS  there  a  time  when  moments  flow. 

More  peacefully  than  all  beside? 
It  is,  of  all  the  times  below, 
A  Sabbath  eve  in  summer  tide. 

2  O  then  the  setting  sun  smiles  fair, 

And  all  below,  and  all  above, 
The  difPrent  forms  of  nature  wear 
One  universal  garb  of  love. 

3  And  then  the  peace  that  Jesus  beams, 

The  life  of  grace,  the  death  of  sin ; 
2A 


30£  SABBxVTH   EVENING. 

With  nature's  placid  woods  and  streams, 
Is  peace  without,  and  peace  within. 
4  Deh'ghtful  scene !  a  world  at  rest, 
A  God  all  love,  no  grief  nor  fear ; 

A  heav'nly  hope,  a  peaceful  breast, 
A  smile  unsullied  by  a  tear. 

6  If  heav'n  be  ever  felt  below, 

A  scene  so  heav'nly,  sure,  as  this. 
May  cause  a  heart  on  earth  to  know 
Some  foretaste  of  celestial  bliss 

6  Delightful  hour,  how  soon  will  night 

Spread  her  dark  mantle  o'er  thy  reiga,- 
And  morrow's  quick  returning  light 
Musi  call  us  to  the  world  again. 

7  Yet  will  there  dawn  at  last  a  day, 

A  Sun  that  never  sets  shall  rise  ; 
Night  will  not  veil  his  ceaseless  ray, 
The  heav'nly  Sabbath  never  dies! 

64  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Evening   Twilight. 

1  I  LOVE  to  steal  awhile  away 

From  every  cumb'ring  care. 
And  spend  the  hours  of  setting  day 
In  humble,  grateful  prayer. 

2  I  love  in  solitude  to  shed 

The  penitential  tear, 
And  all  his  promises  to  plead, 
Where  none  but  God  can  hear. 

3  I  love  to  think  on  mercies  past, 

And  future  good  implore. 
And  ail  my  cares  and  sorrows  cast 
On  liim  whom  I  adore 

4  I  love  by  faith  to  take  a  view 

Of  brighter  scenes  in  heav'n ; 
The  prospect  doth  my  strength  renew 
While  here  by  tempests  driv'n. 

5  Thus,  when  life's  toilsome  day  is  o'er, 

May  its  departing  ray 
Be  calm  as  this  impressive  hour, 
And  lead  to  endless  day. 


FOR   THE   BEGINNING   OP   TUE   YEAR.  303 

FOR  THS  BEGINNING  OF  THE  YEAZt, 

65  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  GREAT  God!  we  sing  thy  mighty  hand; 
By  that  supported  still  we  stand : 

The  op'ning  year  thy  mercy  shows, 
Let  mercy  crown  it  till  it  close. 

2  By  day,  by  night — at  home,  abroad, 
Still  we  are  guarded  by  our  God; 
By  his  incessant  bounty  fed — 

By  his  unerring  counsels  led. 

3  With  grateful  hearts  the  past  we  own , 
The  future — all  to  us  unknown — 
We  to  thy  guardian  care  commit, 
And  peaceful  leave  before  thy  feet. 

4  In  scenes  exalted  or  depress'd, 

Be  thou  our  joy — and  thou  our  rest; 
Thy  goodness  all  our  hopes  shall  raise, 
Ador'd  through  all  our  changing  days. 

5  When  death  shall  close  our  earthly  songs, 
And  seal  in  silence  mortal  tongues, 

Our  helper,  God,  in  whom  we  trust. 
In  brighter  worlds  our  souls  shall  boast. 

66  HYMN.    L.  M. 

1  ETERNAL  God  !  I  bless  thy  name, 

The  same  thy  power — thy  grace  the  same; 
The  tokens  of  thy  friendly  care 
Begin,  and  close,  and  crown  the  year. 

2  Supported  by  thy  guardian  hand. 
Amid  ten  thousand  deaths  I  stand. 
And  see,  when  I  survey  thy  ways. 
Ten  thousand  monuments  of  praise. 

3  Thus  far  thine  arm  has  led  me  on — 
Thus  far  I  make  thy  mercy  known ; 
And  while  I  tread  tliis  desert  land. 
New  mercies  sha'.l  new  songs  demand. 


304  FOR   THE   BEOINNINQ    OF   THE   YEAR. 

4  My  grateful  voice  on  Jordan's  shore, 
Shall  raise  one  sacred  pillar  more ; 
Thnn  bear  in  thy  bright  courts  above, 
Inscriptions  of  immortal  love 


67  HYMN.     7's. 

1  WMILE  with  ceaseless  course  the  sun 

Hasted  through  the  former  year, 
Many  souls  their  race  have  run, 

Never  more  to  meet  us  here : 
Fixed  in  an  eternal  state, 

They  have  done  with  all  below 
We  a  little  longer  wait, 

But  how  little — none  can  know. 

2  Spared  to  see  another  year, 

Let  thy  blessing  meet  us  here ; 
Come,  thy  dying  work  revive. 

Bid  thy  drooping  garden  thrive; 
Sun  of  Righteousness,  arise  ! 

Warm  our  hearts  and  bless  our  eyes; 
Let  our  prayer  thy  pity  move; 

Make  this  year  a  time  of  love. 

3  Thanks  for  mercies  past  received. 

Pardon  of  our  sins  renew ; 
Teach  us  henceforth  how  to  live 

With  eternity  in  view; 
Bless  thy  word  to  old  and  young. 

Fill  us  with  a  Saviour's  love; 
When  our  lilij's  short  race  is  run, 

Mav   we  dwell  with  thee  above. 


68  HYMN.     5's  &  11 'a 

Ji  JVew  Year. 

1  COMl^,  let  us  anew 

Our  journf-y  piirsun, 
Roll  round   with  tin;  year, 
And  never  stand  still,  till  the  Master  appear 


FOR  THE  CLOSE   OF   THE  TEAR.  805 

I  Our  life  is  a  dream, 

Our  time  as  a  stream 
Glides  swiftly  away; 
A.nd  the  fugitive  moment  refuses  to  stay. 

The  arrow  is  flown, 
The  moment  is  gone; 
The  millennial  year 
Rushes  on  to  our  view,  and  eternity's  here. 

O  that  each  in  the  day 
Of  his  coming  may  say, 
"I've  fought  my  way  through, 
I've  finish'd  the  work  thou  did'st  give  me  to  do  V 

O  that  each  from  his  Lord 
May  receive  the  good  word, 
"  Well  and  faithfully  done  ! 
Enter  into  my  joy,  and  sit  down  on  my  throne!" 


FOR  THE  CZ.OSE   OF  THE  YEAR. 

69  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Reflections  at  the  End  of  the  Year. 

1  AND  now,  my  soul,  another  year 

Of  thy  short  life  is  past ; 
I  cannot  long  continue  here, 
And  this  may  be  my  last. 

2  Much  of  my  dubious  life  is  gone, 

Nor  will  return  again; 
And  swift  my  passing  moments  run. 
The  few  that  yet  remain. 

3  Awake,  my  soul — with  utmost  care 

Thy  true  condition  learn: 
What  are  thy  hopes] — how  surel  hew  fair! 
What  is  thy  great  concern] 

4  Behold,  another  year  begins ! 

Set  out  afresh  for  heaven ; 
Seek  pardon  for  thy  former  sins, 
In  Christ  so  frcelv  given. 
2  A  2 


30G  FOR   THE   CLOSE   OF   THE   YEAR. 

5  Devoutly  yield  thyself  to  God, 
And  on  his  grace  depend  ; 
With  zeal  pursue  the  heav'niy  road, 
Nor  doubt  a  happy  end. 


70  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Rapid  Jllghl  of  Time. 

1  MY  few  revolving  years, 

How  swift  they  glide  away  ! 
How  short  the  term  of  life  appears, 
When  past — 'tis  but  a  day  ! — 

2  A  dark  and  cloudy  day, 

Made  up  of  grief  and  sin ; 
A  host  of  dang'rous  foes  without, 
And  guilt  and  fear  within. 

3  Lord,  through  another  year. 

If  thou  permit  my  stay. 
With  watchful  care  may  I  pursue 
The  true  and  living  way! 


71  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Praise  for  Providential  GoodneMB. 

1  GOD  of  our  lives,  thy  various  praise 

Our  voices  shall  resound: 
Thy  hand  directs  our  fleeting  days, 
And  brings  the  seasons  round. 

2  To  thee  shall  grateful  songs  arise. 

Our  Father  and  our  Friend: 
Whose  constant  mercies  from  the  skies. 
In  genial  streams  descend. 

3  In  cv'ry  scene  of  life,  thy  care, 

In  ev'ry  age,  we  see ; 
And,  constant  as  thy  flivours  are, 
So  let  our  praises  be. 

4  Still  may  thy  love,  in  every  scene, 

To  ev'ry  age,  a|)pear; 
And  let  the  same  compassion  deign 
To  bless  the  op'ning  year. 


THE   SEASONS.  307 


72  HYMN.     C.  M. 

77ie  House  appointed  for  all  living, 

1  HO  W  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave, 

Where,  life's  vain  tumults  past, 
Th'  appointed  house  by  heav'n's  decree, 
Receives  us  all  at  last! 

2  The  wicked  there  from  troubling  cease— 

Their  passions  rage  no  more; 
And  tliere  the  weary  pilgrim  rests 
From  all  the  toils  he  bore, 

3  All,  levell'd  by  the  hand  of  death, 

Lie  Sleeping  in  the  tomb, 
Till  God  in  judgment  calls  them  forth, 

To  meet  their  final  doom. 


THE  SEASONS. 

73  HYMN.     P.  M. 

1  HOW  pleasing  is  the  voice 

Of  God,  our  hcav'nly  King, 
Who  bids  the  frosts  retire, 
And  wakes  the  lovely  spring! 

Bright  suns  arise. 
The  mild  wind  blows. 
And  beauty  glows. 
Thro'  earth  and  skies. 

2  The  morn,  with  glory  crown'd 

His  hand  arrays  in  smiles: 
He  bids  the  eve  decline. 
Rejoicing  o'er  the  hills  : 

The  ev'ning  breeze 
His  breath  perfumes; 
His  beauty  blooms 
In  flow'rs  and  trees. 


808  THE   SEASONS. 

3  With  life  he  clothes  the  sprinir, 
The  earth  with  summer  warms: 
He  spreads  th'  autumnal  feast, 
And  rides  on  wintry  storms; 

His  gifts  divine 
Thro'  all  appear; 
And  round  the  year 
His  glories  shine. 

74  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  THE  flow'ry  spring,  at  God's  command. 
Perfumes  the  air,  and  paints  the  land: 
The  summer  rays  with  vigour  shine, 
To  raise  the  corn  and  cheer  the  vine. 

2  His  hand' in  autumn  richly  pours, 
Througli  ail  her  coasts,  redundant  stores; 
And  winters,  soflen'd  by  his  care. 

No  more  the  face  of  horror  wear. 

3  The  changing  seasons,  months  and  days. 
Demand  successive  songs  of  praise; 
And  be  the  cheerful  homage  paid, 
With  morning  light  and  ev'ning  shade. 

4  And  oh,  may  each  harmonious  tongue 
In  worlds  unknown  the  praise  prolong, 
And  in  those  brighter  courts  adore, 
Where  days  and  years  revolve  no  more. 

75  UYMN.     C.  M. 

Spring: 

1  WHEN  verdure  clothes  the  fertile  vale, 

And  l)lossoms  deck  the  spray, 
Anrl  fragrance  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale, 
How  sweet  the  vernal  day! 

2  Hark  !  how  the  fonther'd  warblers  sing.' 

'Tis  nature's  cheerful  voice; 
Soft  music  hails  the  lovely  spring, 
And   woods  and  fields  rejoice. 

3  O  Hod  of  nature,  and  nf  grace. 

Thy  heav'niy  gifts  impart; 
Then  shall  my  meditation  trace 
Spring  blooming  in  my  heart. 


THE    SEASONS.  300 


4  Inspir'd  to  praise,  I  then  shall  join 
Glad  nature's  cheerful  song; 
And  love,  and  giatitude  divine 
Attune  my  joyful  tongue. 


76  HYMN.     S.  M. 

The  Spring. 

1  SWEET  is  the  time  of  spring, 
When  nature's  charms  appear; 

The  birds  with  ceaseless  pleasure  sing, 

And  hail  the  opening  year: 

But  sweeter  far  the  spring 

Of  wisdom  and  of  grace, 
When  children  bless  and  praise  their  King 

Who  loves  the  youthful  race. 

2  Sweet  is  the  dawn  of  day, 
When  light  just  streaks  the  sky; 

When  shades  and  darkness  pass  away, 

And  morning's  beams  are  nigh : 

But  sweeter  far  the  dawn 

Of  piety  in  youth  ; 
When  doubt  and  darkness  are  withdrawn 

Before  the  light  of  truth. 

3  Sweet  is  the  early  dew, 
Which  gilds  the  mountain's  tops, 

And  decks  each  plant  and  fiow'r  we  view, 

With  pearly  glitt'ring  drops: 

But  sweeter  far  the  scene 

On  Zion's  holy  hill ; 
When  there  the  dew  of  youth  is  seen 

Its  freshness  to  distil. 


77  HYMN.     S.  M. 

1  GREAT  God,  at  thy  command 

Seasons  in  order  rise : 
Thy  pow'r  and  love  in  concert  reign 
Through  earth,  and  seas,  and  skies. 

2  How  balmy  is  the  air! 

How  warm  the  sun's  bright  beams! 
While,  to  refresh  the  grounds,  the  rains 
Descend  in  gentle  streams. 


810 


THE   SEASONS. 

3  With  grateful  praise  we  own 

Thy  providential  hand, 
While  trrass,  and  herbs,  and  wavinf'  corn» 
Adorn  and  bless  the  land.  ° 

4  But  greater  still  the  gift 

Of  thine  incarnate  Son; 
By  him  forgiveness,  peace,  and  joy, 
Through  endless  ages  run. 


78  HYMN.     8's. 

1  THE  winter  is  over  and  gone, 

The  thrush  whistles  sweet  on  the  spray. 
The  turtle  breathes  forth  her  soft  moan, 
The  lark  mounts  and  warbles  away. 

2  Shall  every  creature  around 

Their  voices  in  concert  unite, 
And  I,  the  most  favour'd,  be  found, 
In  praising  to  take  less  delight? 

3  Awake,  then,  my  harp,  and  my  lute! 

Sweet  organs,  your  notes  softly  swell' 
No  longer  my  lips  shall  be  mute, 
The  Saviour's  high  praises  to  tell! 

4  His  love  in  my  heart  shed  abroad, 

My  graces  shall  bloom  as  the  spriiio- 
This  temple,  his  Spirit's  abode. 
My  joy,  as  my  duty,  to  sing. 


79  HYMN.     7's. 

1  PLRASfNG  spring  again  is  here! 
Trees  and  fields  in  bloom  appear! 
Hark!  the  birds,  with  artless  lays, 
Warble  their  Creator's  praise! 

2  Lord,  afford  a  spring  to  me ! 
Let  me  feel  like  what  I  see: 
Ah  !  my  winter  has  been  long, 
Chill'd  my  hopes,  suppress'd  my  song. 

3  How  the  soul  in  winter  mourns, 
Till  the  Lord,  the  Sun,  returns ! 
Till  the  Spirit's  gentle  rain 
Bids  the  heart  revive  again! 


THE   SEASONS  811 


O  beloved  Saviour,  hasto. 
Tell  me  all  the  storms  are  past: 
Speak,  and  by  thy  gracious  voice 
Make  my  drooping  soul  rejoice. 


80  HYMN.    c.  m: 

Summer — A  Harvest  Hymn. 

1  TO  praise  the  ever  bounteous  Lord, 

My  soul,  wake  ail  thy  pow'rs ; 
He  calls,  and  at  his  voice  come  forth 
The  smiling  harvest  hours. 

2  His  cov'nant  with  the  earth  he  keeps ; 

My  tongue,  his  goodness  sing; 

Summer  and  winter  know  their  time, 

His  harvest  crowns  the  spring. 

3  Well  pleas'd  the  toiling  swains  behold 

The  waving  yellow  crop; 
With  joy  they  bear  the  sheaves  away, 
And  sow  again  [n  hope. 

4  Thus  teach  me,  gracious  God,  to  sow 

The  seeds  of  righteousness ; 
Smile  on  my  soul,  and  with  thy  beams 
The  rip'ning  harvest  bless. 

5  Then,  In  the  last  great  harvest,  I 

Shall  reap  a  glorious  crop; 

The  harvest  shall  by  far  exceed 

What  I  have  sow'd  in  hope. 


81  HYMN.    C.  M. 

Winter. 

1  STERN  winter  throws  his  icy  chains, 

Encircling  nature  round; 
How  bleak,  how  comfortless  the  plains, 
Late  with  gay  verdure  crown'd! 

2  The  sun  withdraws  his  vital  beams, 

And  light  and  warmth  depart; 
And  drooping  lifeless,  nature  seems 
An  emblem  of  my  heart. 


312  THE    SEASONS. 

3  My  heart,  where  mental  winter  reigns. 

In  night's  dark  manile  ciad, 
Confin'd  in  cold,  inactive  cliains, 
How  desolate  and  sad! 

4  Return,  O  blissful  Sun,  and  bring 

Thy  soul-reviving  ray; 
This  mental  winter  shall  be  spring, 
This  darkness  cheerful  day. 

6  O  happy  state,  divine  abode. 
Where  spring  eternal  reigns; 
And  perfi^ct  day,  the  smile  of  God, 
Fills  all  the  heav'niy  plains ! 

6  Great  Source  of  light,  thy  beams  display. 
My  drooping  joys  restore, 
And  guide  me  to  the  seats  of  day, 
Where  winter  frowns  no  more. 


82  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Goodness  of  God  in  the  Seasons. 

1  ON  God  the  race  of  man  depends, 
Far  as  the  earth's  remotest  ends; 
At  his  command  the  morning  ray 
Smiles  in  the  east,  and  leads  the  day. 

2  Seasons  and  times  obey  his  voice; 
The  morn  and  ev'ning  both  rejoice 

To  see  the  earth  made  soft  with  showers, 
Laden  with  fruit,  and  dress'd  in  flowers. 

3  The  desert  grows  a  fruitful  field ; 
Abundant  food  the  valleys  yield; 

The  plains  shall  shout  witli  cheerful  voice. 
And  neighbouring  hills  repeat  their  joys. 

4  Thy  works  pronounce  thy  power  divine; 
O'er  every  field  tiiy  glories  shine; 
Through  ev'ry  month  thy  gifts  appear: 
Great  God,  thy  goodness  crowns  the  year 

g3  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  THE  Lord  is  good,  the  heav'niy  King, 
He  makes  the  earth  his  care; 
Visits  the  pastures  ev'ry  spring, 
And  bids  the  grass  appear. 


THE    SEASONS.  818 

2  The  times  and  seasons — days  and  hours, 

Heav'n,  earth,  and  air,  are  thine; 
When  clouds  distil  in  iruitful  show'rs, 
The  Author  is  divine. 

3  The  soften'd  ridges  of  the  field 

Permit  the  corn  to  spring; 
The  valleys  rich  provision  yield, 
And  all  the  laborers  sing. 

4  The  various  months  thy  goodness  crowns; 

How  bounteous  are  thy  ways! 
The  bleating  flocks  spread  o'er  the  downs. 
And  shepherds  shout  thy  praise. 


84  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  SING  to  the  Lord,  exalt  him  high. 
Who  spreads  his  clouds  aroimd  the  sky; 
There  he  prepares  the  fruitful  rain, 

Nor  lets  the  drops  descend  in  vain. 

2  He  makes  the  grass  the  hills  adorn, 
And  clothes  the  smiling  fields  with  corn; 
The  beasts  with  food  his  hands  supply. 
And  feed  the  ravens  when  they  cry. 

3  What  is  the  creature's  skill  or  force. 
The  vig'rous  man,  the  warlike  horse. 
The  sprightly  wit,  the  active  limb  ! 
All  are  too  mean  delights  for  him. 

4  His  saints  are  lovely  in  his  sight; 
He  views  his  children  with  delight; 

He  sees  their  hopes,  he  knows  tlieir  fear. 
And  finds  and  loves  his  image  there. 


85  HYMN     L.  M. 

1  LET  Zion  praise  the  mighty  God, 
And  make  his  honours  known  abroad; 
For  sweet  the  joy  our  songs  to  raise, 
And  glorious  is  the  work  of  praise. 

2  Our  children  live  secure  and  blest ; 
Our  shores  have  peace,  our  cities  rest; 
He  feeds  our  sons  with  finest  wheat. 
And  adds  his  blessings  to  their  meat. 

14  2B 


8U 


THE    SEASONS. 


3  The  changing  seasons  he  ordains, 
The  early  and  the  latter  rains; 

His  flakes  of  snow  like  wool  he  sends, 
And  thus  the  springing  corn  defends. 

4  With  hoary  frost  he  strews  the  ground; 
His  hail  descends  witii  dreadful  sound; 
His  icy  bands  the  rivers  hold, 

And  terror  arms  his  wintry  cold. 

5  He  bids  the  warmer  breezes  blow, 
The  ice  dissolves,  the  waters  How; 
But  he  hath  nobler  works  and  ways 
To  call  his  people  to  his  praise. 

6  Through  all  our  land  his  laws  are  shown: 
His  gospel  through  our  borders  known; 
He  hath  not  thus  reveal'd  his  word 

To  every  land— Praise  ye  the  Lord ! 

86  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  WITH  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud, 

Address  the  Lord  on  high ; 
Over  the  heavens  he  spreads  his  cloud, 
And  waters  veil  the  sky. 

2  He  sends  his  showers  of  blessings  down 

To  cheer  the  plains  below; 
He  makes  the  grass  the  mountains  crown. 
And  corn  in  valleys  grow. 

3  He  gives  the  grazing  ox  his  meat, 

He  hears  the  ravens  cry; 
But  man,  who  tastes  his  finest  wheat, 
Should  raise  his  honours  high. 

4  His  steady  counsels  change  the  face 

Of  the  declining  year; 
He  bids  the  sun  cut  short  his  race, 
And  wintry  days  appear. 

6  His  hoary  frost,  his  fleecy  snow. 
Descend  and  clothe  the  ground; 
The  liquid  streams  forbear  to  flow. 
In  icy  fetters  bound. 

6  When  from  his  dreadful  stores  on  high 
He  pours  the  sounding  hail. 
The  wretch  that  dares  his  (Jod  defy 
Shall  find  his  courage  fail. 


THE   SPREAD   OP   THE   GOSPEL.  315 

7  He  sends  his  word,  and  melts  the  snow, 

The  fields  no  longer  mourn ; 
He  calls  the  warmer  gales  to  blow, 
And  bids  the  spring  return. 

8  The  changing  wind,  the  flying  cloud. 

Obey  his  mighty  word; 
With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud, 
Praise  ye  the  sov'i'eign  Lord. 


THE  SFRIiAD  OF  THE  GOSPEIh 

g>7  HYMN.     8's,  7's,  4's. 

Prayer  for  a  Revival.     Ps.  Ixxxv.  7. 

1  SAVIOUR,  visit  thy  plantation: 

Grant  us,  Lord,  a  gracious  rain! 
All  will  come  to  desolation, 
Unless  thou  return  again. 

Lord,  revive  us; 
All  our  help  must  come  from  thee. 

2  Keep  no  longer  at  a  distance; 

Shine  upon  us  from  on  high. 
Lest,  for  want  of  tiiine  assistance, 
Ev'ry  plant  should  droop  and  die. 

3  Let  our  mutual  love  be  fervent, 

Make  us  prevalent  in  pray'rs; 
Let  each  one  esteem'd  thy  servant, 
Shun  the  world's  bewitching  snare* 

4  Break  the  tempter's  fatal  power; 

Turn  the  stony  heart  to  flesh; 
And  begin  from  this  good  hour 
To  revive  thy  work  afresh. 

§§  HYMN.     P.  M. 

1  SOV'REIGN  of  worlds  above, 
And  Lord  of  all  bolow, 
Thy  faithfulness  and  love. 
Thy  pow'r  and  mercy  show; 
Fulfil  thy  word; 
Thy  Spirit  give; 
Let  heathens  live 
And  praise  the  Lord. 


81G  THE  si'UKAn  oi-  t!ik  gospel. 

2  On  lands  that  lie  lionoath 

Foul  superstition's  sway, 
Whose  horrid  shades  of  death 
Admit  no  heav'niy  ray, 

Blest  Spirit !  shine, 

Tlieir  hearts  illume; 

Dispel  the  jLrloom 

With  light  divine. 

3  Father,  who  to  thy  Son 

Thy  steadfast  word  has  given, 
That  thro'  the  earth  shall  run 
The  news  of  peace  with  heav*ll. 

Ex-tend  his  fame; 

Thy  grace  diffuse; 

And  let  the  news 

The  world  reclaim. 

4  Few  be  the  years  that  roll, 

Ere  all  shall  worship  thee; 
The  travail  of  his  soul. 
Soon  let  the  Saviour  sec ; 

O  God  of  grace! 

Thy  pow'r  employ, 

Fill  earth  with  joy. 

And  heav'n  witii  praise. 


89  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  OH,  when  shall  Afric's  sable  sons 

Enjoy  the  heav'niy  word  ; 
And  vassals,  long  enslaved,  become 
The  freemen  of  the  Lord  ? 

2  When  shall  the  untutor'd  heathen  tribe% 

A  dark,  bewilder'd  race, 
Sit  down  at  our  Immannel's  feet, 
And  learn  and  sing  his  grace] 

8  Haste,  soveroifrn  merry,  and  transform 
Their  cruelty  to  love  : 
Soft(^n  the  tiger  to  a  lamb, 
The  vulture  to  a  dove. 


THE  SPREAD  OP   THE   GOSPEL.  317 

90  HYMN.     8,7,4. 

1  O'ER  the  gloomy  hills  of  darkness, 

Cheer'd  by  no  celestial  ray, 
Sun  of  Righteousness,  arising, 
Bring  the  briglit,  the  glorious  day; 

Send  the  gospel 
To  the  earth's  remotest  bound. 

2  Kingdoms  wide  that  sit  in  darkness! 

Grant  them,  Lord,  the  glorious  light; 
And  from  eastern  coast  to  western. 
May  the  morning  chase  the  night; 

And  redemption, 
Freely  purchased,  win  the  day. 

3  Fly  abroad,  thou  mighty  gospel — 

Win  and  conquer,  never  cease ; 
May  thy  lasting,  wide  dominions 
Multiply  and  still  increase; 

Sway  thy  sceptre. 
Saviour,  all  the  world  around. 

91  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  SOV'REIGN  of  worlds  !  display  thy  pow'r 
Be  this  thy  Zion's  favour'd  hour; 

Bid  the  bright  Morning  Star  arise. 
And  point  the  nations  to  the  skies. 

2  Set  up  thy  throne  where  Satan  reigns, 
On  Afric's  shore,  on  India's  plains, 
On  wilds  and  continents  unknown; 
And  be  the  universe  thine  own. 

3  Speak!  and  the  world  shall  hear  thy  voice; 
Speak!  and  the  desert  shall  rejoice; 
Scatter  the  gloom  of  heathen  night, 

And  bid  all  nations  hail  the  light. 

92  HYMN.     8,  7,  4. 

For  the  Influence  of  the  Spirit. 

1  WHO,  but  thou,  Almighty  Spirit, 
Can  the  heathen  world  reclaim? 
Men  may  prear-h,  but  till  thou  favour, 
Heatliens  will  be  still  the  same: 

Mighty  Spirit ! 
Witness  to  the  Saviour's  name. 
2  Vy-1 


318  THE   SPREAD   OF   THE   GOSPEL. 

2  Thou  hast  promised  by  the  prophets, 

Glorious  light  in  latter  days: 
Come,  and  bless  bewiider'd  nations, 
Change  our  pray'rs  and  tears  to  praise  j 

Promis'd  Spirit ! 
Round  the  world  diffuse  thy  rays. 

3  All  our  hopes,  and  prayers,  and  labours. 

Must  be  vain  without  thine  aid: 
But  thou  wilt  not  disappoint  us — 
All  is  true  that  thou  hast  said 

Faithful  Spirit! 
O'er  the  world  thine  influence  shed. 


93  HYMN.     7,  6. 

1  FROM  Greenland's  icy  mountains, 

From  India's  coral  strand : 
Where  Afric's  sunny  fountains 

Roll  down  their  golden  sand; 
From  many  an  ancient  river. 

From  many  a  palmy  plain, 
They  call  us  to  deliver 

Their  land  from  error's  chain. 

2  What  tho'  the  spicy  breezes 

Blow  soft  o'er  Ceylon's  Isle, 
Tho'  ev'ry  prospect  pleases, 

And  only  man  is  vi!o; 
In  vain  with  lavish  kindness 

Tlie  gifts  of  God  are  bU    wn ; 
The  heathen  in  his  blindness 

Bows  down  to  wood  and  stone. 

3  Shall  we,  whose  souls  arc  lighted 

With  wisdom  from  on  high, 
Shall  we  to  men  benighted 

The  lamp  of  life  deny] 
Salvation  !  ()  Salvation! 

The  joyful  sound  proclaim, 
Till  earth's  remotfst  nation 

lias  learn'd  Messiah's  name. 

4  Wad,  wafl,  ye  winds,  his  story, 

And  you,  ye  waters,  roll, 
Till,  like  a  sea  of  glory, 
it  spreads  from  pole  to  pole; 


THE   SPREAD   OF   THE   GOSPEL.  819 

Till  o'er  our  ransom'd  nature, 

The  Lamb  for  sinners  slain, 
Redeemer,  King,  Creator, 

In  bliss  retui-ns  to  reign. 


94  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  GREAT  Saviour,  l^t  thy  pow'r  divine 

O'er  all  the  earth  be  known; 

Let  all,  to  thee,  their  will  resign. 

And  make  thy  will  their  own. 

2  Perversion  marks  the  guilty  way. 

Which  heathens  madly  tread  ; 
From  all  thy  laws  they  go  astray. 
And  hasten  to  the  dead. 

3  Thou,  Saviour-God,  hast  pow'r  alone 

To  turn  their  wand'ring  feet; 
To  bend  their  souls  before  thy  throne, 
Low  at  thy  mercy-seat : 

4  For  all  the  pow'r,  beneath,  above, 

Thy  wounded  hands  sustain ; 
Then  sway  the  sceptre  of  thy  love. 
And  let  thy  mercy  reign. 

95  HYMN.     L.  M. 

The  Glory  of  God  in  his  JVorks  and  in  his  IVoreL 

1  GREAT  Sun  of  Righteousness,  arise! 

O  bless  the  world  with  heav'nly  light! 
Thy  gospel  makes  the  simple  wise: 

Thy  laws  are  pure — tliy  judgments  right. 

2  Thy  noblest  wonders  here  we  view. 

In  souls  renew'd  and  sins  forgiv'n: — 
Lord,  cleanse  my  sins — my  soul  renew. 
And  make  thy  word  my  guide  to  heuv'n. 


96  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Universal  Reign  of  Christ, 

1  GREAT  God !  whose  universal  sway 
The  known  and  unknown  worlds  obey. 
Now  give  the  kingdom  to  thy  Son, 
Extend  his  pow'r — exalt  his  throne. 


32G  THE   SPREAD    OF   THE   GOSPEL. 

2  As  rain  on  meadows  newly  mown, 
So  shall  he  send  his  influence  down; 
His  grace,  on  fainting  souls,  distils, 
Like  heav'nly  dew,  on  tliirsty  hills. 

3  The  heathen  lands,  that  lie  beneath 
The  shades  of  overspreading  death, 
Revive  at  his  first  dawning  light, 
And  deserts  blossom  at  tlie  sight. 

4  The  saints  shall  flourish  in  his  days, 
Dress'd  in  the  robes  of  joy  and  praise; 
Peace,  like  a  river,  from  his  throne, 
Shall  flow  to  nations  yet  unknown. 

97  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  JESUS  shall  reign  where'er  the  sun 
Doth  his  successive  journeys  run ; 

His  kingdom  stretch  from  shore  to  shore. 
Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more. 

2  For  him  shall  endless  pray'r  be  made, 
And  endless  praises  crown  his  head  ; 
His  name,  like  sweet  perfume,  shall  rise 
With  ev'ry  morning  sacrifice. 

3  People  and  realms  of  ev'ry  tongue 
Dwell  on  his  love  with  sweetest  song; 
And  infant  voices  shall  proclaim 
Their  curly  blessings  on  his  name. 

4  Blessings  abound  where'er  he  reigns. 
The  joyful  pri.s'ner  bursts  his  chains; 
The  weary  find  eternal  rest. 

And  all  the  sons  of  want  are  blest. 

5  Let  every  creature  rise  and  bring 
Peculiar  honours  to  our  king; 
Angels  descend   with  souirs  atrain. 
And  earth  repeat  the  loud   amen. 

98  IIYMX.     L.  P.  M, 

Rejoicing  in  View  of  God's  Universal  ReigTi. 

1  LET  nil  the  earth  their  voices  raise, 
To  sing  a  psalm  of  lofty  praise, 

To  sing  and  bless  Jehovah's  name; 
His  glory  let  the  heathen  know. 
His  wonders  to  the  nations  show. 

And  all  his  saving  works  proclaim. 


THE   SPREAD   OF   THE   GOSPEL.  321 

2  Oh  !  haste  the  day— the  glorious  hour, 
When  earth  shall  feel  his  saving  pow'r, 
And  barb'rous  nations  fear  his  name: 
Then  shall  the  race  of  man  confess 
The  beauty  of  his  holiness, 
And  in  his  courts  his  grace  proclaim. 


99  HYMN.     S.  M. 

.  I  LOVE  thy  kingdom,  Lord, 
The  house  of  thine  abode, 
The  church,  our  blest  Redeemer  sav'd 
With  his  own  precious  blood. 

2  I  love  thy  church,  O  God ! 

Her  walls  before  thee  stand, 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye, 
And  graven  on  thy  hand. 

3  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall ; 

For  her  my  prayers  ascend ; 
To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given. 
Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end. 

4  Beyond  my  highest  joy 

I  prize  her  heav'nly  ways, 
Her  sweet  communion — solemn  vows 
Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise. 

5  Jesus,  thou  friend  divine, 

Our  Saviour,  and  our  King, 
Thy  hand  from  every  snare  and  foe, 
Shall  great  deliv'rance  bring. 

6  Sure  as  thy  truth  shall  last. 

To  Zion  shall  be  giv'n 
The  brightest  glories  earth  can  yield. 
And  brighter  bliss  of  heaven. 


XOO  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Christ  croioned  as  Lord  of  all, 

1  ALL  hail,  the  great  Immanuel's  name! 
Let  angels  prostrate  fall : 
Bring  forth  the  royal  diadem, 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 
14* 


322  THE   SPREAD   OF   THE   GOSPEL. 

2  Crown  him,  ye  martyrs  of  our  God, 

Wild  from  his  altar  call ; 
Praise  him  who  shed  for  you  his  blood. 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 

3  Ye  chosen  seed  of  Israel's  race, 

A  remnant  weak  and  small, 
Hail  him  who  saves  you  by  his  grace, 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 

4  Ye  Gentile  sinners,  ne'er  forget 

The  wormwood  and  the  gall; 
Go  spread  your  trophies  at  his  feet, 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 

5  Let  ev'ry  kindred — ev'ry  tribe, 

On  this  terrestrial  ball, 
To  him  all  majesty  ascribe, 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 

6  Oh !  that  with  yonder  sacred  throng. 

We  at  his  feet  may  fall ; 
And  join  the  everlasting  song, 
And  crown  him  Lord  of  all. 


101  HYMN     P.  M. 

1  SOV'REIGN  of  worlds  above, 

And  Lord  of  all  below. 
Thy  faithfulness  and  love. 
Thy  power  and  mercy  show/ 
Fulfil  thy  word, 

Tliy  Spirit  give; 
Let  lieathens  live, 
And  praise  the  Lord. 

2  Few  be  the  years  that  roll, 

Kre  all  shall  worship  thee; 
The  travail  of  his  soul 
Soon  let  the  Saviour  see: 
()  God  of  grace ! 

Thy  power  employ; 
Fill  earth  with  joy. 
And  licav'n  with  praise. 

102  IJYMN.     7's. 

1   ^VAKR  the  song  of  jubilee, 
Li't  it  echo  o'er  the  sea! 
]\o\v  is  come  the  proniis'd  hour; 
Jesus  reigns  with  sov'reign  pow'rl 


EARLY  PIETT.  828 

2  All  ye  nations,  join  and  sing, 
"Christ,  of  lords  and  kin^rs  is  King!" 
Let  it  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Jesus  reigns  for  evermore ! 

3  Now  the  desert  lands  rejoice. 
And  tiie  islands  join  their  voice; 
Yea,  the  whole  creation  sings, 
"Jesus  is  the  King  of  kings." 

X03  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Exhortation  to  Universal  Proise. 

1  FROM  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise: 

Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung, 
Through  ev'ry  land— by  ev'ry  tongue. 

2  Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord ; 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word; 

Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  suns  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 


eauly  piety. 

104  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  NOW  in  the  heat  of  youthful  blood. 
Remember  your  Creator,  God; 
Behold  the  months  come  hasfning  on, 
When  you  shall  say — "  My  joys  are  gone' 

2  Behold,  the  aged  sinner  goes, 
Oppress'd  with  guilt  and  heavy  woes, 
Down  to  the  regions  of  the  dead. 
With  endless  curses  on  his  head. 

3  The  dust  returns  to  dust  again; 
The  soul,  in  agony  of  pain, 
Ascends  to  God — not  there  to  dwell, 
But  hears  her  doom — and  sinks  to  hell. 

4  Eternal  King!  I  fear  thy  name; 
Teach  me  to  know  how  frail  I  am : 
And  when  my  soul  must  hence  remove^ 
Give  me  a  mansion  in  thy  love. 


324  EARLY   PIET7. 

105  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Youth  admonished  to  remember  their  Creator, 

1  CHILDREN,  to  your  Creator,  Goa 

Your  early  honours  pay ; 
Wliile  vanity  and  youthful  blood 
Would  tempt  your  thoughts  astray. 

2  Be  wise — and  make  his  favour  sure, 

Before  the  mournful  day, 
When  youth  and  mirth  are  known  no  more, 
And  life  and  strength  decay. 

3  The  mem'ry  of  his  mighty  name 

Demaiuls  your  first  regard ; 
Nor  dare  indulge  a  meaner  flame, 
Till  you  have  lov'd  the  Lord. 

lOG  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  WHILE  in  the  tender  years  of  youth. 

In  nature's  smiling  bloom,    . 

Ere  age  arrive,  and  trembling  wait 

Its  summons  to  the  tomb; — 

2  Remember  thy  Creator,  God; 

For  him  thy  pow'rs  employ; 
Make  him  thy  fear,  thy  love,  thy  hope. 
Thy  portion,  and  thy  joy. 

3  He  shall  defend  and  guide  thy  course 

Tlirough  life's  uncertain  sea, 
Till  thou  art  landed  on  the  shore 
Of  blest  eternity. 

107  HY.MN.     S.  M 

The  Young'  asking  for  Divine  Guidance, 

1  FROM  earliest  dawn  of  life. 

Thy  <:oo(lness  we  have  shared; 
And  still  we  live  to  sing  thy  praise, 
By  sov'reign  njercy  spared. 

2  To  learn  and  do  thy  will, 

O  Lord,  «iur  hearts  incline; 

And  o'er  the  paths  of  future  life 

Conmiand  thy  light  to  shine. 


EARLY   PIETY.  825 

3  While  taught  thy  word  of  truth, 

May  we  tliat  word  receive ; 
And  when  we  hear  of  Jesus'  name, 
In  tiiat  blest  name  believe! 

4  O,  let  us  never  tread 

Tiie  broad,  destructive  road. 
But  trace  those  holy  paths  which  lead 
To  glory,  and  to  God. 

108  HYMN.     S.  M. 

1  MY  son,  know  thou  the  Lord, 

Thy  father's  God  obey : 
Seek  his  protecting  care  by  night, 
His  guardian  hand  by  day. 

2  Call,  while  he  may  be  found, 

And  seek  him  while  he's  near; 
Serve  him  with  all  thy  heart  and  mind, 
And  worship  him  with  fear. 

3  If  thou  wilt  seek  his  face, 

His  ear  will  hear  thy  cry ; 
Then  shalt  thou  find  his  mercy  sure, 
His  grace  forever  nigh. 

4  But  if  thou  leave  thy  God, 

Nor  choose  the  path  to  heav'n ; 
Then  shalt  thou  perish  in  thy  sins. 
And  never  be  forgiv'n. 

109  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Youth. 

1  COME,  let  us  now  forget  our  mirth. 

And  think  that  we  must  die; 
What  are  our  best  delights  on  earth, 
Compar'd  with  those  on  high ! 

2  Our  pleasures  here  will  soon  be  past— 

Our  brightest  joys  decay; 
But  pleasures  there  for  ever  last, 
And  cannot  fade  away, 

3  Here  sins  and  sorrows  we  deplore. 

With  many  cares  distrest; 
But  there  the  mourners  weep  no  more. 
And  there  the  weary  rest. 
2C 


326  EARLY   riETT. 

4  Our  dearest  friends,  when  death  shall  ca*., 

At  once  must  hence  depart; 
But  there  we  hope  to  meet  them  all, 
And  never,  never  part. 

5  Then  let  us  love  and  serve  the  Lord, 

With  all  our  youthful  pow'rs; 
And  we  shall  gain  this  great  reward, 
This  glory  shall  be  ours. 


110  IIY.MX.     C.  M. 

1  RELIGION  is  the  chief  concern 

Of  mortals  here  below  ; 
May  I  its  great  importance  learn. 
Its  sov'reign  virtue  know! 

2  Religion  should  our  thoughts  engage, 

Amidst  our  youthful  bloom ; 
'Twill  fit  us  for  declining  age, 
And  for  the  awful  tomb. 


Ill  IIVMN.     L.  M. 

1  YE  lovely  bands  of  blooming  youth, 
WarnM  by  the  voice  of  hcav'nly  truth. 
Now  yield  to  Christ  your  youtiiful  prime, 
With  all  your  talents  and  your  time. 

2  Think  on  your  end,  nor  thoughtless  say, 
"I'll  put  far  off  the  evil  day;" 

Ah!  not  a  moment's  in  your  pow'r, 
And  death  stands  ready  at  the  door. 

3  Eternity! — how  near  it  mils! 
Count  the  vast  value  of  your  souls! 
Beware!  and  count  the  awful  cost, 
What  they  have  gain'd  whose  souls  are  lost 

4  Pride,  sinful  pleasures,  lusts  and  snares. 
Beset  your  henrts,  your  eyes,  your  ears- 
Take  the  alarm — the  d.uiLier  lly  ! 
"Lord !  Save  me,"  be  your  earnest  cry 


EARLY   PIETY.  327 


X13  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Prayer  of  a  Youth.    Ps.  cxix.  9. 

1  WITH  humble  heart  and  tongue, 

My  God,  to  thee  I  pray; 
Oh,  make  nie  learn,  while  I  am  young, 
How  1  may  cleanse  my  way. 

2  Make  an  unguarded  youth 

The  object  of  thy  care; 
Help  me  to  choose  tlie  way  of  truth, 
And  fly  from  every  snare. 

3  My  heart,  to  folly  prone. 

Renew  by  power  divine; 
Unite  it  to  thyself  alone, 
And  make  me  wholly  thine. 

4  Oh,  let  thy  word  of  grace 

My  warmest  thouglits  employ; 
Be  this,  through  all  my  foITwing  days, 
My  treasure  and  my  joy. 

5  To  what  thy  laws  impart. 

Be  my  wliole  soul  inclin'd; 
Oh,  let  them  dwell  within  my  heart, 
And  sanctify  my  mind. 

6  May  thy  young  servant  learn, 

By  these  to  cleanse  his  way; 
And  may  I  here  the  path  discern 
That  leads  to  endless  day. 

113  HYMN.     L  M. 

1  HOW  soft  the  words  my  Saviour  speaks! 

How  kind  the  promises  he  makes! 
A  bruised  reed  he  never  breaks, 
Nor  will  he  quench  the  smoking  flax. 

2  The  humble  poor  he  won't  despise, 

Nor  on  the  contrite  sinner  frown ; 
His  ear  is  open  to  their  cries, 

He  quickly  sends  salvation  down. 

3  When  piety,  in  early  minds, 

Like  tender  buds,  begins  to  shoot, 
He  guards  the  plants  from  threat'ning  winds, 
And  ripens  blossoms  into  fruit. 


328  MISCELLANEOnS. 

4  With  humble  souls  he  bears  a  part 

In  all  the  sorrows  they  endure; 
Tender  and  gracious  is  his  iieart, 
His  promise  is  for  ever  sure. 

5  He  sees  the  struggles  that  prevail 

Between  the  powers  of  grace  and  sin 
He  kindly  listens  while  they  tell 
The  bitter  pangs  they  feel  within. 

6  Though  press'd  with  fears  on  every  side, 

Tliey  know  nut  how  tlie  strife  may  end 
Yet  he  will  soon  the  cause  decide, 
And  judgment  unto  vict'ry  send. 


ZVIZSCELLANEOUS. 

114  HYMN.     CM. 

1  WHILST  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power  I 

Be  my  vain  wislics  slill'd ; 

And  may  this  consecrated  hour 

With  better  hopes  be  fill'd. 

2  Thy  love  the  pow'r  of  thought  bcstow'd. 

To  thee  my  thoughts  would  soar: 
Thy  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flow'd, 
That  mercy  I  adore. 

3  In  each  event  of  life,  how  clear 

Thy  ruling  hand  I  see! 
Each  blessing  to  my  soul  most  dear, 
Because  conlerr'd  by  thee. 

4  In  cv'ry  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

In  ev'ry  pain  I  bear, 
My  heart  shall  find  delight  in  praise, 
Or  seek  relief  in  pray'r. 

5  When  gladness  wings  my  fnvour'd  hour, 

Thy  love  my  thoughts  shall  lill ; 
Resign'd,  when  storms  of  sorrow  lowY, 
My  soul  shall  meet  thy  will. 

My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 
The  gath'ring  storm  shall  see; 

My  steadfist  Iieart  shall  know  no  fear; 
That  heart  will  rest  on  thee. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  329 


XI 5  HYMN.     8  s,  7's,  and  4's. 

God,  the  Pilg-^rwi's  Guide. 

1  GUIDE  me,  O  thou  great  Jehovah, 

Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land; 
I  am  weak,  but  thou  art  mighty; 
Hold  me  with  thy  pow'rfui  hand: 

Bread  of  heaven. 
Feed  me  till  I  want  no  more. 

2  Open,  Lord,  the  crystal  fountain, 

Whence  the  healing  waters  flow, 
Let  the  fiery,  cloudy  pillar. 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through. 
Strong  Deliv'rer, 

Be  thou  still  my  strength  and  shield. 

ft 

:}  When  I  tread  the  verge  of  Jordan, 
Bid  my  anxious  fears  subside; 
Death  of  death,  and  hell's  destruction, 
Land  me  sale  on  Canaan's  side : 

Songs  of  praises 
I  will  ever  give  to  thee. 


116  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Crucifixion  to  the  World. 

1  WHEN  I  survey  the  wond'rous  cross, 
On  which  the  Prince  of  glory  died, 
My  richest  gain  I  count  but  loss. 
And  pour  contempt  on  all  my  pride, 

2  Forbid  it,  Lord,  that  I  should  boast. 
Save  in  the  death  of  Christ,  my  God, 
All  the  vain  things  that  charm  me  most, 
I  sacrifice  them  to  his  blood. 

3  See,  from  his  head,  his  hands,  his  feet, 
Sorrow  and  love  flow  mingled  down ! 
Did  e'er  such  love  and  sorrow  meet, 
Or  thorns  compose  so  rich  a  crown? 

4  Were  the  wide  realm  of  nature  mine, 
That  were  a  present  far  too  small; 
Love  so  amazing,  so  divine. 
Demands  my  soul,  my  life,  my  all. 

2C2 


330  MISCELLANEOUS 

117  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Ilohj  Fortitude. 

1  AM  I  a  soldier  of  the  cross? 

A  follower  of  tlie  Lamb! 
And  shall  I  fear  to  own  his  cause. 
Or  blush  to  speak  his  name? 

2  Shall  I  be  carried  to  the  skies, 

On  flow'ry  beds  of  ease, 
While  others  fouLdit  to  win  the  prize, 
And  sail'd  through  bloody  seas] 

3  Are  there  no  foes  for  me  to  face? 

Must  I  not  stem  the  flood? 
Is  this  vain  world  a  friend  to  grace. 
To  help  me  on  to  God  ? 

4  Sure  I  must  fight,  if  I  would  reign; 

Increase  my  courage.  Lord, 
To  bear  the  cross,  endure  the  shame. 
Supported  by  thy  word. 

5  The  saints,  in  all  this  glorious  war. 

Shall  conquer,  tho'  they  die; 

They  s^ee  the  triumph  from  afar. 

With  faith's  discerning  eye. 

118  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Salvation  irelcomed. 

1  SALVATION!  O,  the  joyfid  sound! 

'Tis  pleasiu'e  to  our  ears: 
A  sov'reiLm  balm  for  every  wound, 
A  cordial  for  our  fears. 

2  Buried  In  sorrow  and  in  sin, 

At  hell's  dark  door  we  lay; 
But  we  arise  by  grace  divine 
To  see  a  heav'niy  day. 

8  Salvation !  let  the  echo  fly 
The  spacious  earth  around. 
While  all  the  armies  of  the  sky 
Conspire  to  raise  the  sound. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  831 


119  HYMN.     L.  M. 

A  Broken  and  a  Contrite  Heart. 

1  SHOW  pity,  Lord;  O  Lord,  forgive; 
Let  a  repenting  rebel  live; 

Are  not  thy  mercies  large  and  free? 
May  not  a  sinner  trust  in  thee? 

2  O  wash  my  soul  from  every  sin, 

And  make  my  guilty  conscience  clean ; 
Here  on  my  heart  the  burden  lies, 
And  past  offences  pain  mine  eyes. 

3  My  lips  with  shame  my  sins  confess, 
Against  thy  law,  against  thy  grace; 
Lord,  should  thy  judgments  grow  severe, 
I  am  condemn'd,  but  thou  art  clear. 

4  Yet  save  a  trembling  sinner,  Lc'rd, 
Whose  hope,  still  hov'ring  round  thy  word, 
Would  light  on  some  sweet  promise  there 
Some  sure  support  against  despair. 

120  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Repentance  at  the  Cross. 

1  'TWAS  for  my  sins,  my  dearest  Lord 

Hung  on  the  cursed  tree, 
And  groan'd  away  a  dying  life 
For  thee,  my  soul,  for  thee. 

2  O,  how  I  hate  those  sins  of  mine 

That  shed  the  Saviour's  blood  ; 
That  pierc'd  and  nail'd  his  sacred  flesh 
Fast  to  the  fatal  wood! 

3  Whilst  with  a  melting  broken  heart 

My  murder'd  Lord  I  view, 
I  here  renounce  my  darling  sins, 
And  slay  the  murd'rers  too. 

121  nY3IN.     L.  M. 

Sufferings  and  Death. 

1  STRETCH'D  on  the  cross,  the  Saviour  dies; 
Hark!  his  expiring  groans  arise: 
See  from  his  hands,  his  feet,  his  side, 
Runs  down  the  sacred  crimson  tide. 


•*? 


332  MISCELLANEOUS. 

2  But  life  attends  the  deathful  sound, 
And  fiows  from  ev'ry  bleedin<r  wound' 
The  vital  stream,  how  free  it  flows, 
To  save  and  cleanse  his  rebel  foes! 

3  Can  I  survey  this  scene  of  wo. 
Where  niin<f|iiiir  grief  and  wonder  flow. 
And  yet  my  heart  unmov'd  remain, 
Insensible  to  love,  or  pain] 

4  Come,  dearest  Lord,  thy  grace  impart, 
To  warm  this  cold,  this  stupid  heart ! 
'Till  all  its  powVs  and  passions  move 
In  melting  grief,  and  ardent  love. 


122  HYMN.     8's,  7's,  4'3. 

It  is  finished.    John  xix.  30. 

1  HARK!  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy! 

Sounds  aloud  from  Calvary ! 
See,  it  rends  the  rocks  asunder — 
Shakes  the  earth  and  veils  the  sky! 

"It  is  finished  !" — 
Hear  the  Saviour — dying — cry. 

2  It  is  finish'd  !— Oh,  what  pleasure 

Do  those  precious  words  afford  ! 
Heav'niy  blessings  without  measure, 
Flow  to  us  from  Christ  the  Lord: 

It  is  finish'il ! — 
Saints  the  dying  words  record. 

3  Finish'd — all  the  types  and  shadows 

Of  the  ceremonial  law! 
Finish'd— all  that  Cod  had  promised; 
Death  and  hell  no  more  sliall  awe; 

It  is  linisli'd  !  — 
Saints,  from  hence  your  comforts  draw. 

4  Tune  your  harps  anew,  ye  seraphs, — 

Join  to  sing  ihe  pleasing  theme! 
All  on  earth,  and  all  in  heav'n. 
Join  to  praise  Immanuel's  name; 

Hallelujah! 
Glory  to  the  bleeding  Lamb! 


MISCELLANEOUS.  333 


123  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Breathing  after  the  Holy  Spirit, 

1  COME,  Holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove, 

With  all  tliy  quick'ning  pow'rs, — 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love 
In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours. 

2  In  vain  we  tune  our  formal  songs; 

In  vain  we  strive  to  rise; 
Hosannas  languish  on  our  tongues, 
And  our  devotion  dies. 

3  Dear  Lord  !  and  shall  we  ever  live 

At  this  poor  dying  rate? 
Our  love  so  faint,  so  cold  to  thee, 
And  thine  to  us  so  great] 

4  Come,  Holy  Spirit,  lieav'nly  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  pow'rs, — 
Come,  shed  abroad  a  Saviour's  love, 
And  that  shall  kindle  ours. 


124  HYMN.     L.  M. 

Parting  with  carnal  joys. 

1  I  SEND  the  joys  of  earth  away; 
Away,  ye  tempters  of  the  mind, 
False  as  the  smooth  deceitful  sea. 
And  empty  as  the  whistling  wind. 

2  Your  streams  were  floating  me  along, 
Down  to  the  gulf  of  black  despair 
And  whilst  I  listen'd  to  j'^our  song, 
Your  streams  had  e'en  conveyed  me  there 

3  Lord,  I  adore  thy  matchless  grace. 
That  warn'd  me  of  that  dark  abyss; 
That  drew  me  from  those  treach'rous  seasi. 
And  bade  me  seek  superior  bliss. 

4  Now  to  the  shining  realms  above, 

I  stretch  my  hands,  and  glance  my  eyes; 
Oh,  for  the  pinions  of  a  dove. 
To  bear  me  to  the  upper  skies. 


334  MISCELLANEOUS. 


125  HYMN.    7's. 

1  JESUS,  lover  of  my  soul, 

L^t  me  to  thy  bosom  fly, 
While  the  billows  near  me  roll. 

While  the  tempest  still  is  highj 
Hide  me,  O  my  Saviour,  hide,'' 

Till  the  storm  of  life  be  past ; 
Safe  into  the  haven  guide, 

Oh,  receive  my  soul  at  last! 

2  Other  refuse  have  I  none; 

Lo!  I,  helpless,  hang  on  thee; 
Leave,  Oh,  leave  me  not  alone, 

Lest  I  basely  shrink  and  flee: 
Thou  art  all  my  trust  and  aid. 

All  my  help  from  thee  I  bring; 
Cover  my  defenceless  head 

With  the  shadow  of  thy  wing. 

3  Thou,  O  Christ,  art  all  I  want; 

Boundless  love  in  thee  I  fincL- 
Raise  the  fallen,  cheer  the  faint, 

Heal  the  sick,  and  lead  tiie  blind. 
Just  and  holy  is  thy  name : 

I  am  all  unrighteousness; 
Vile  and  full  of^  sin  I  am. 

Thou  art  full  of  truth  and  grace. 

4  Plenteous  grace  with  thee  is  found, 

Grace  to  pardon  all  my  sin  ; 
Let  the  healing  streams  abound. 

Make  and  keep  me  pure  within. 
Thou  of  life  the  fountain  art. 

Freely  let  me  take  of  thee : 
Reign,  O  Lord,  within  my  heart, 

Reign  to  all  eternity 

126  HYMN.     7,0. 

Pilgrim'' s  Song: 

1  RISE,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wingt, 
.Thy  better  portion  trace; 
Risp  from  transitory  things, 

Tow'rds  heav'n  thy  native  place. 
Sun,  and  moon,  and  stars  decay — 

Time  shall  soon  this  earth  remove; 
Rist\  my  soul,  and  haste  away 
To  seats  prepared  above. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  835 


2  Rivers  to  the  ocean  run, 

Nor  stay  in  all  their  course: 
Fires  ascending  seek  the  sun 

Both  speed  them  to  their  source; 
So  a  soul  that's  bm-n  of  God, 

Pants  to  view  his  glorious  face; 
Upward  tends  to  his  abode, 

To  rest  in  his  embrace. 

3  Fly  me  riches,  fly  me  cares, 

While  I  that  coast  explore; 
Flatt'ring  world,  with  all  thy  snares, 

Solicit  me  no  more. 
Pilgrims  fix  not  here  their  home, 

Strangers  tarry  but  a  night; 
When  the  last  dear  morn  is  come, 

They'll  rise  to  joyful  light. 

4  Cease,  ye  pilgrims,  cease  to  mourn, 

Press  onward  to  the  prize; 
Soon  the  Saviour  will  return, 

Triumphant  in  the  skies: 
There  we'll  join  the  heav'niy  train, 

Welcom'd  to  partake  the  bliss; 
Fly  from  sorrow  and  from  pain, 

To  realms  of  endless  peace. 

127  HYMN.     8,  1,  4. 

1  YES  !  we  trust  the  day  is  breaking; 

Joyful  times  are  near  at  hand: 
God,  the  mighty  God,  is  speaking 
By  his  word  in  ev'ry  land : 

When  he  chooses, 
Darkness  flies  at  his  command. 

2  Let  us  hail  the  joyful  season ; 

Let  us  hail  the  dawning  ray: 
W^'len  the  Lord  appears,  there's  reason 
To  expect  a  glorious  day: 

At  his  presence 
Gloom  and  darkness  flee  away 

3  While  the  foe  becomes  more  daring; 

While  he  enters  like  a  flood; 
God,  the  Saviour,   is  preparing 
Means  to  spread  his  truth  abroad; 

Ev'ry  language 
Soon  shall  tell  the  love  of  God. 


836  MISCELLANEOUS. 

4  God  of  Jacob,  hirrh  and  rrlorious, 
Let  thy  people  see  thy  hand; 
Let  the  gospel  be  victorious, 

Through  the  world  in  every  land; 

And  the  idols 
Perish,  Lord,  at  thy  command. 

128  IIY.MX.     C.  M. 

JValking-  with  God.     Gen.  v.  24. 

1  O  FOR  a  closer  walk  with  God, 

A  calm  and  heav'niy  frame, 
And  light  to  shine  upon  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  lamb. 

2  Where  is  the  blessedness  I  knew 

Wh"n  first  I  saw  the  Lord  ? 
Where  is  the  soul-refreshing  view 
Of  Jesus  and  his  word .' 

3  What  peaceful  hours  I  then  enjoy'd ! 

How  sweet  their  mem'ry  still! 
But  now  I  find  an  aching  void, 
The  world  can  never  fill. 

4  Return,  O  holy  Dove,  return, 

Sweet  messenger  of  rest ! 
I  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn. 
And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

6  The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 
Whate'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  te^ir  it  from  tliy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee. 

6  So  shall  my  walk  be  close  with  God, 
Calm  and  serene  my  frame! 
And  pin-er  light  shall  mark  tlie  road 
That  leads  me  to  tlie  Lamb. 

129  IIV.MX.     CM. 

1  HOW  vain  are  all  things  here  bclo\r. 

How  filse  and  yet  how  fair! 
Each  pleasure  has  its  jioison  too, 
And  every  sweet  a  snare. 

2  The  brightest  things  below  the  sky 

Give  but  a  flattering  light; 
We  sliouid  suspect  some  danger  nigh, 
Where  we  possess  delight. 


TOE    HOLY    SCRIPTURES.  9? 


3  Our  dearest  joys,  and  nearest  friends, 

The  partners  of  our  blood, 
How  they  divide  our  wav'riiifr  mind?, 
And  leave  but  half  for  God ! 

4  The  fondness  of  a  creature's  love. 

How  strong  it  strikes  the  sense! 
Thither  the  warm  alU'clions  move, 
I\or  can  we  call  them  thence. 

5  Dear  Saviour !  let  thy  beauties  be 

My  soul's  eternal  food ; 
And  grace  command  my  heart  away 
From  all  created  good. 


THE  HOZ.Y  SCRIFTURESc 

130  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Revelation  welcomed. 

1  HAIL,  sacred  truth  !  whose  piercing  rays 

Dispel  the  shades  of  night ; 

Diffusing  o'er  the  mental  world, 

The  healing  beams  of  light. 

2  Jesus,  thy  word,  with  friendly  aid, 

Restores  our  wandering  feet; 
Converts  the  sorrows  of  the  mind 
To  joys  divinely  sweet. 

3  Oh !  send  thy  liglit  and  truth  abroad, 

In  all  their  radiant  blaze; 
And  bid  th'  admiring  world  adore 
The  glories  of  thy  grace. 


131  HYMN      L.  M. 

Divine  Authority  of  the  Bible, 

1  'TWAS  by  an  order  from  the  Lord, 
The  ancient  prophets  spoke  his  word; 
His  Spirit  did  their  tongues  inspire, 
And  warm  their  hearts  with  heav'niy  fire 

15  2I> 


338  TUE   HOLY    SCRIPTURES. 

2  Great  God !  mine  eyes  with  pleasure  look 
On  the  dear  voluiiie  of  tliy  book; 
There  my  Redeemer's  face  I  see, 

And  read  his  name  who  died  for  me. 

3  Let  the  false  raptures  of  the  mind 
Be  lost  and  vanish  in  the  wind : 
Here  I  can  fix  my  hojx?  secure; 
This  is  tliy  word — and  must  endure. 


132  HYMN.     C.  P.  M 

1  HOW  precious.  Lord,  thy  sacred  word ! 
What  liirht  and  joy  those  leaves  afford 

To  souls  in  deep  distress! 
Thy  precepts  fruide  our  doubtful  way, 
Thy  fear  forbids  our  feet  to  stray, 

Thy  promise  leads  to  rest. 

2  Thy  threat'ninjrs  wake  our  slumb'ring  eye; 
And  warn  us  where  our  danger  lies ; 

But  'tis  thy  gospol,  Lord, 
That  makes  the  guilty  conscience  clean, 
Converts  the  soul,  and  conquers  sin, 

And  gives  a  free  reward. 


133  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  OPPRESSED  with  guilt,  and  full  of  feara, 

I  come  to  thee,  my  Lord ; 
While  not  a  ray  of  hope  appears, 
But  in  thy  holy  word. 

2  Tne  volume  of  my  Father's  grace 

Dors  all  my  grief  dispel ; 
Here  1  behold  my  Saviour's  face, 
And  learn  to  do  his  will. 

3  Here  living  water  freely  flows, 

To  cleanse  me  Worn  my  sin ; 
'Tis  here  the  tree  of  knowledge  grows, 
Nor  danger  dwells  therein. 

4  O !  may  thy  counsels,  mighty  God, 

My  roving  feet  command  ; 
Nor  I  forsake  the  hapfiy  road. 
That  leads  to  thy  right  hand. 


THE   HOLY   SCRirrURES.  330 


134  HYMiN.    S.  M. 

1  BEHOLD,  the  morning  sun 

Begins  his  glorious  way; 
His  beams  through  ail  tlie  nations  run. 
And  life  and  light  convey. 

2  But  where  the  gospel  comes, 

It  spreads  diviner  light, 
It  calls  dead  sinners  from  their  tombs. 
And  gives  the  blind  their  sight. 

3  How  perfect  is  thy  word ! 

And  all  thy  judgments  just! 
Forever  sure  thy  promise,  Lord, 
And  we  securely  trust. 

4  My  gracious  God,  how  plain 

Are  thy  directions  given  ! 
O!  may  I  never  read  in  vain. 
But  find  the  path  to  heaven. 


135  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  HOW  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts, 

And  guard  their  lives  from  sin  1 
Thy  word  the  choicest  rules  imparts, 
To  keep  the  conscience  clean. 

2  'Tis  like  the  sun — a  heavenly  light, 

That  guides  us  all  the  day; 
And,  through  the  dangers  of  the  nign*, 
A  lamp  to  lead  our  way. 

3  Thy  precepts  make  me  truly  wise, 

1  hate  the  sinner's  road; 
I  hate  my  own  vain  thoughts  that  rise 
But  love  thy  law,  my  God. 

4  Thy  word  is  everlasting  truth, 

How  pure  is  every  page ! — 
Tliat  holy  book  shall  guide  our  youth. 
And  well  support  our  age. 


340  AFFLICTIONS    AM-    PF.ATri. 

ATPLICTIONS   AND   DEATH. 

13G  HYMN.     8's,  andT's. 

Mourners  comforted. 

1  CEASE,  ye  mourners,  cease  to  languish, 

O'er  the  grave  of  those  you  love; 
Pain,  and  death,  and  night,  and  anguish, 
Enter  not  the  world  above. 

2  While  our  silent  steps  are  straying. 

Lonely,  through  night's  decp'niiig  shade. 
Glory's  !)rightest  beams  are  playing 
Round  th'  immortal  spirit's  head. 

3  Light  and  peace  at  once  deriving 

From  the  liand  of  God  most  high, 
In  his  glorious  presence  living, 
They  shall  never — never  die. 

4  Endless  pleasure,  pain  excluding, 

Sickness  there,  no  more  can  come; 
There  no  fear  of  wo,  intruding. 
Sheds  o'er  heav'n  a  moment's  gloom. 

5  Now,  ye  mourners,  cease  to  languish 

O'er  the  grave  of  those  you  love; 
Far  remov'd  from  pain  and  anguish, 
They  are  chanting  hymn,s  above. 

137  HYMN.    L.  M. 

Death  of  the  Righteous 

1  new  bless'd  the  righteous  when  he  dies  I 
When  sinks  a  weary  soul  to  rest, 

How  mildly  beam  the  closing  e3'es. 
How  gently  heaves  th'  expiring  breast! 

2  So  fades  a  sunmier  cloud  away, 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  arc  o'er, 
So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day. 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 

3  A  holy  quiet  reiuns  around, 

A  calm  which  life  nor  death  destroys- 
Nothing  (listuri)s  that  peac(-  profound 
Which  liiK  uiifftfcrM  soul  enjoys. 


AFFLrCTIONS   AND   DEATH.  341 

Farewell,  conflicting  hopes  and  fears. 
Where  lights  and  shades  alternate  dwell; 
How  bright  th'  unchanging  morn  appears' 
Farewell,  inconstant  world,  farewell. 


138  HYMN.    C.  M. 

Dying  in  the  Lord. 

1  HEAR  what  the  voice  from  heav'n  proclaims, 

For  all  the  pious  dead ; 
Sweet  is  the  savour  of  their  names, 
And  soft  their  sleeping  bed. 

2  They  die  in  Jesus,  and   are  bless'd; 

How  kind  their  slumbers  are ! 
From  suti'rings,  and  from  sins  releas'd, 
And  freed  from  ev'ry  snare. 

3  Far  from  tliis  world  of  toil  and  strife, 

They're  present  with  the  Lord  ; 
The  labours  of  their  mortal  life 
End  in  a  large  reward. 

139  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Mourning  with  Hope. 

1  THAT  once-lov'd  form,  now  cold  and  dead. 

Each  mournful  thought  employs; 
And  nature  weeps,  her  comforts  fled, 
And  wither'd  all  her  joys. 

2  Hope  looks  beyond  the  bounds  of  time; 

When  what  we  now  deplore. 

Shall  rise  in  full  immortal  prime, 

And  bloom  to  fade  no  more. 

3  Then  cease,  fond  nature,  cease  thy  tears. 

Religion  points  on  high ; 
There  everlasting  spring  appears, 
And  joys  that  cannot  die. 

140  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Prayer  for  Support  in  Death. 

1  WHEN,  bending  o'er  the  brink  of  life, 
My  trembling  soul  shall  stand. 
And  wait  to  pass  death's  awful  flood. 
Great  God,  at  thy  c(»mmand. 
2U-2 


84"2  AFFLICTIONS    AND   DKATH. 

2  Thou  source  of  life  and  joy  supreme. 

Whose  arm  alone  can  save, 
Dispel  thy  darkness  that  surrounds 
The  entrance  to  the  grave. 

3  Lay  thy  supporting,  gentle  hand 

Beneath  my  sinking  head. 
And  let  a  beam  of  life  divine 
IJlume  my  dying  bed. 

141  HYMN.     L.  M. 

The  Grave.    Job  iii,  17. 

1  THE  grave  is  now  a  favour'd  spot — 

To  saints  wiio  sleep,  in  Jesus  blcss'd; 
For  there  the  wicked  trouble  not. 
And  there  the  weary  are  at  rest. 

2  At  rest  in  Jesus'  faithful  arms ; 

At  rest  as  in  a  peaceful  bed : 
Secure  from  all  the  dreadful  storms. 
Which  round  this  sinful  world  are  spreadL 

3  Tin-ice  happy  souls,  who're  gone  before 

To  that  inheritance  divine! 
They  labour,  sorrow,  sigh  no  more, 
But  bright  in  endless  glory  shine. 

4  Then  let  our  mournful  tears  be  dry, 

Or  in  a  gentle  measure  flow ; 
We  liail  them  happy  in  the  sky, 
And  joyful  wait  our  call  to  go. 

143  HYMN.     8's. 

Deuth  of  a  Br  other. 

1  now  blest  is  our  brother,  bereft 

Of  all  that  could  burden  his  mind; 
How  easy  the  soul  that  has  left 

This  wearisome  body  behind  ! 
Of  evil   incapable  thou, 

Whose  relics  with  envy  I  see, 
No  longer  in  misery  now, 

No  longer  a  sinner  like  me, 

2  This  earth  is  affected  no  more 

With  sickness,  or  shnken  with  pain, 
The  war  in  Hie  members  is  o'er, 
And  never  shall  vex  him  airain  : 


AFFLICTIONS   AND   DEATU.  843 

No  anger  henceforward,  or  shame. 

Shall  I'edden  his  innocent  clay; 
Extinct  is  the  animal  Hanie, 

And  passion  is  vanish'd  away. 

The  lids  he  so  seldom  could  close, 

By  sorrow  forbidden  to  sleep,  ^ 
Seal'd  up  in  eternal  repose, 

Have  strangely  forgotten  to  weep; 
These  fountains  can  yield  no  supplies— 

These  hollows  horn  water  are  fi-ee; 
The  tears  are  all  wiped  from  those  eyes, 

And  evil  they  never  shall  see. 

To  mourn  and  to  suffer  is  mine, 

While  bound  in  a  prison  I  breathe. 
And  still  fur  deliverance  pine, 

And  press  to  the  issues  of  death. 
What  now  with  my  tears  I  bedew, 

Oh,  shall  I  not  shortly  become! 
JNIy  spirit  created  anew, 

Ere  I  am  consitrned  to  the  tomb ! 


143  HYMN.     8's. 

Death  of  a  Sister. 

1  'TIS  finish'd  !   the  conflict  is  past. 

The  heav'n-born  spirit  is  fled; 
Her  wish  is  accomplish'd  at  last. 

And  now  she's  entomb'd  with  the  dead. 
The  months  of  aflliction  are  o'er, 

The  days  and  the  niohts  of  distress. 
We  see  her  in  anp-uish  no  more — 

She's  gained  her  happy  release. 

No  sickness,  or  sorrow,  or  pain. 

Shall  ever  disquiet  her  now  ; 
For  death  to  her  spirit   was  gain, 

Since  Christ  was  her  life  when  beiow. 
Her  soul  has  now  taken   its  fliglit 

To  mansions  of  glory  above. 
To  mingle  with  angels  of  light. 

And  dwell  in  the  kingdom  of  love. 

3  The  victory  now  is  obtain'd; 

She's  gone  her  dear  Saviour  to  see; 
Her  wishes  she  fully  has  gain'd — 
She's  now  where  she  longed  to  be. 


814  *     AFFLICTIONS   AND   DEATD. 

Thpn  let  us  forbear  to  complain. 

That  she  has  now  gone  fiom  our  sight; 

We  soon  shall  behold  her  again, 
With  new  and  redoubled  delight, 

144  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Death  of  a  Young  Person. 

1  WHEN  blooming  youth  is  snatch'd  away 

By  death's  resistless  iiand, 
Our  hearts  the  mournful  tribute  pay, 
Which  pity  must  demand. 

2  While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh, 

Oh,  may  this  truth,  iiiiprest 
Witli  awful  pow'r — "  I  too  must  die" — 
Sink  deep  in  ev'ry  breast. 

3  The  voice  of  this  alarming  scene 

May  ev'ry  heart  obey ; 
Nor  be  the  heav'nly  warning  vain, 
Wliich  calls  to  watch  and  pray. 

4  Oh,  let  us  fly,  to  Jesus  fly, 

Wiiose  pow'rful  arm  can  save; 
Then  shall  our  hopes  ascend  on  high. 
And  triumph  o'er  the  grave. 

145  IIYMX     C.  M. 

Death  and  Bui-ial  of  Christians. 

1  WHY  do  we  mourn  departing  friends. 

Or  shake  at  death's  alarms] 
'Tis  but  the  voice  that  Jesus  sends 
To  call  them  to  his  arms. 

2  Are  we  not  tending  upward  too, 

To  heav'n's  dfsired  abode? 
Why  should  we  wish  the  hours  more  slovr, 
Which  keep  us  from  our  God  ? 

3  Why  should  we  tremble  to  convey 

Tlieir  bodies  to  the  t(^mb1 
'Twas  there  the  Saviour's  body  lay. 
And  left  a  long  perfume. 

4  The  graves  of  all  his  saints  he  blest. 

And  soflrnM  ev'ry  bed  : 
Where  should  the  dying  members  rest. 
But  with  their  dying  Head  J 


AFFLICTION-S   AND   PEATH.  345 

0  Thence  he  arose,  ascending  high, 

And  show'd  our  feet  the  way: 
Up  to  the  Lord  his  saints  sliall  fly 
At  the  great  rising  day. 
6  Then  let  the  last  loud  trumpet  sound, 
And  bid  our  kindred  rise; 
Awake,  ye  nations  under  ground! 
Ye  saints!  ascend  the  skies. 

146  HYMN.     L.  M 

The  peaceful  Death  of  the  Righteous. 

1  SWEET  is  the  scene  when  Christians  die, 

When  holy  souls  retire  to  rest: 
How  niiKlIy  beams  the  closing  eye! 
How  gently  heaves  th'  expiring  breast! 
\i  So  fades  a  summer  cloud  away; 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are  o'er; 
So  gently  sliuts  the  eye  of  day ; 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 
3  Triumphant  smiles  the  victor's  brow, 

Fann'd  by  some  guardian  angel's  wing: 
O  grave  1  where  is  thy  victory  now  ? 
And  where,  O  death!  wlicre  is  thy  sting 

147  HYMN.     S.  xM. 

1  O  FOR  the  death  of  those 

Who  slumber  in  the  Lord! 

O  be  like  tlieirs  my  last  repose. 

Like  theirs  my  last  reward. 

2  Their  bodies,  in  the  ground, 

In  silent  hope  may  lie, 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound 
Shall  call  them  to  the  sky. 

3  Their  ransom'd  spirits  soar 

On  wings  of  faith  and  love, 
To  meet  the  Saviour  they  adore. 
And  reign  with  him  above. 

4  With  us  their  names  shall  live 

Through  long  succeeding  years, 
Enibalin'd  with  all  our  hearts  can  give^ 
Our  praises  and  our  tears. 

5  O  for  the  death  of  those 

Who  slumber  in  the  Lord : 
O  be  like  theirs  my  last  repose, 
Like  theirs  my  last  reward. 
15* 


346  TIME    AND    ETKUNFTY. 

TIME   AND    ETERNITY 

118  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Time  short  and  misspent. 

1  HOW  short  and  hasty  is  our  life! 

How  vast  our  souls  afluirs ! 
Yet  senseless  mortals  vainly  strive 
To  lavish  out  their  years. 

2  Our  days  run  thoufrhtlessly  along, 

Without  a  moment's  stay; 
Just  like  a  story,  or  a  sonji, 
\Ve  pass  our  lives  away. 

3  God  from  on  high  invites  us  home, 

But  we  march  heedless  on, 
And,  ever  hastening  to  the  tomb. 
Stoop  downward  as  we  run. 

4  How  we  deserve  the  deepest  hell. 

That  sliirht  the  joys  above! 
What  chains  of  venjzeance  should  we  feel, 
That  break  such  cords  of  love ! 

5  Draw  us.  O  Cod,  with  sovereign  grace, 

And  lilt  our  thoughts  on  high, 
That  we  may  end  this  mortal  race. 
And  see  salvation  nigh. 

1  19  IIYMX.     C.  M. 

1  THR  time  is  short  ! — sinners,  beware, 

Nor  trifle  time  away: 
Th<^  word  of  great  salvation  hear. 
While  yet  'tis  called  to-day. 

2  The  time  is  short ! — O  sinners,  now, 

To  Christ  the  Lord  submit; 
To  mercy's  goldt^n  sceptre  bow. 
And  fall  at  Jesus'  feet. 

3  The  time  is  short! — ye  saints,  rejoice — 

The  Lord  will  quickly  come: 
Soon  shall  you  hear  the  Saviour's  voice 
To  call  you  to  your  home. 

4  The  time  is  short ! — it  swiftly  flies — 

The  hour  is  just  at  hand. 
When  we  shall  mount  above  the  skies. 
And  reach  the  wishcd-for  land. 


TIME   AN1>   ETERNITY.  3-17 

5  The  time  is  short !— tlie  moment  near, 
When  we  shall  dwell  above; 
And  be  forever  happy  there, 
Witli  Jesus,  whom  we  love. 

150  HYMN.     C.  M. 

Time  the  Period  to  prepare  for  Eternity. 

1  THEE  we  adore.  Eternal  Name ! 

And  humbly  own  to  thee, 
How  feeble  is  our  mortal  frame, 
What  dying  worms  are  we! 

2  The  year  rolls  round,  and  steals  away 

The  breath  that  first  it  gave; 

Whate'er  we  do — where'er  we  be, 

We're  travelling  to  the  grave. 

3  Great  God  !  on  what  a  slender  threaa 

Hang  everlasting  things! 
Th'  eternal  state  of  all  the  dead 
Upon  life's  feeble  strings! 

4  Eternal  joy — or  endless  wo 

Attends  on  every  breath  ! 
And  yet  how  unconcern'd  we  go 
Upon  the  brink  of  death  ! 

5  Awake,  O  Lord,  our  drowsy  sense, 

To  walk  this  dang'rous  road ; 
And  if  our  souls  are  hurried  hence, 
May  they  be  found  with  God. 

151  IIYMxM.     L.  !\r. 

1  LIFE  is  the  time  to  serve  the  Lord, 
The  time  t'  insure  the  great  reward; 
And  while  the  lamp  holds  out  to  burn. 
The  vilest  sinner  may  return. 

2  Life  is  the  hour  that  God  has  given 
T'  escape  from  hell,  ami  fly  to  heaven; 
The  day  of  grace — and  mortals  may 
Secure  the  blessings  of  the  day. 

3  Then,  what  my  thoughts  design  to  do, 
My  hands,  with  all  your  might,  pursue i 
Since  no  device,  nor  work,  is  found. 
Nor  faith,  nor  hope,  beneath  the  groun.l. 


348  TIME  AND  ETERNITY. 

4  There  are  no  acts  of  pardon  pass'd 
In  the  cold  grave  to  wliich  we  haste; 
But  darkness,  death,  and  long  despair 
Reign  in  eternal  silence  there. 


153  HYMN.     S.  M. 

TO-MORROW,  Lord,  is  thine, 
Lodg'd  in  thy  sov'reign  hand; 

And  if  its  sun  arise  and  shine, 
It  shines  by  thy  coainiand. 

2  The  present  moment  flies. 

And  bears  our  life  away; 
O  make  thy  servants  truly  wise, 
That  they  may  live  to-day. 

3  Since  on  this  fleeting  hour 

Eternity  is  hung. 
Awake,  by  thine  Almighty  pow'r, 
The  aged  and  the  young. 

4  One  thing  demands  our  care; 

O!  be  "that  still  pursu'd! 
Lest,  slighted  once,  the  season  fair 
Should  never  be  renew'd. 

5  To  Jesus  may  we  fly. 

Swift  as  the  morning  lipht. 
Lest  life's  young  golden  beams  should  dl* 
In  sudden  endless  night. 


15.*}  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  SIIIXR  on  our  souls,  eternal  God, 

AVith  rays  of  nif rry  shine: 
O  let  thy  favour  crown  our  days, 
And  all  their  round  bo  thine. 

2  With  thee  let  every  week  bogin ; 

With  thee  each  day  be  spent; 
To  thee  each  fleeting  hour  be  given, 
Since  each  by  thee  is  lent. 

3  Thus  cheer  us  through  this  desert  road, 

Till  all  our  labours  cease; — 
Till  heav'n  refresh  our  weary  souls 
With  everlasting  peace. 


THE   JUDGMENT.  349 

154  HYMN.    L.  M. 

Etcrni(y  anticipated. 

1  ETERNITY  is  just  at  hand, 

And  sluill  I  waste  my  ebbing  sand? 
And  careless  view  departing  day, 
And  tiirow  my  inch  of  time  away? 

2  Eternity! — tremendous  sound! — 
To  guilty  souls  a  dreadful  wound! 
But  O!  if  Christ  and  heav'n  be  mine, 
How  sweet  the  accents ! — how  divine! 

3  Be  this  my  chief,  my  only  care — 
My  high  pursuit — my  ardent  pray'r — 
An  interest  in  the  Saviour's  blood, 
My  pardon  seal'd,  and  peace  with  God. 

4  But  should  my  brightest  hopes  be  vain ; 
The  rising  doubts  how  sharp  their  pain ; 
My  fears,  O  gracious  God,  remove, 
Confirm  my  title  to  thy  love. 

5  Search,  Lord — O  search  my  inmost  heart, 
And  light,  and  hope,  and  joy,  impart ; 
From  guilt  and  error  set  me  free. 

And  guide  me  safe  to  heav'n  and  thee. 


THE   JUDGMENT. 

155  IlYMxM.     C.  M. 

Triumph  over  Death  in  Hope  of  the  Resurrection, 

1  GREAT  God,  I  own  thy  sentence  just, 

And  nature  must  decay; 

I  yield  my  body  to  the  dust. 

To  dwell  with  fellow  clay. 

2  Yet  faith  may  triumph  o'er  the  grave, 

And  trample  on  the  tombs; 
My  great  Redeemer  ever  lives, 
My  God,  my  Saviour,  comes. 

3  The  mighty  Conqn'ror  shall  appear, 

High  on  a  royal  seat; 
And  death,  the  last  of  all  his  foes, 
Lie  vanquish'd  at  his  feet. 
2E 


350  TUE   JUDGMENT. 

4  Then  shall  I  see  tny  lOvely  face 
With  strong,  immortal  eyes, 
And  feast  upon  thine  unknown  grrce. 
With  pleasure  and  surprise. 

156  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Hope  of  the  llesurreclion. 

1  AND  must  this  body  die? 

This  mortal  frame  decay  ? 
And  must  these  active  limbs  of  mine 
Lie  mould'ring  in  the  clay? 

2  God,  my  Redeemer,  lives, 

And  frequent  from  the  skies. 
Looks  down  and  watclies  all  my  dust 
Till  he  shall  bid  it  rise. 

3  Array'd  in  glorious  grace 

Shall  these  vile  bcjdics  shine, 
And  ev'ry  shape,  and  ev'ry  face 
Look  heav'nly  and  divine. 

4  These  lively  hopes  we  owe 

To  Jesus'  dying  love — 
We  would  adore  his  grace  below, 
And  sing  his  power  above. 

6  Accept,  O  Lord,  the  praise 
Of  these  our  humble  songs, 
Till  tunes  of  nobler  sound  we  raise 
With  our  immortal  tongues. 


157  HYMN      8's,  7's,  and  4'3. 

1  LO  !  He  comes,  with  clouds  descending 

Once  for  favour'd  sinners  slain! 
Thousand,  thousand  saints,  attending, 
Swell  the  triumph  of  liis  train; 

lliillelujah! 
Jesus  comes — and  comes  to  reign. 

2  Every  eye  shall  now  behold  him, 

Robed  in  dreadful  majesty ! 
Those  who  set  at  nought  and  sold  him, 
Pierced  and  nail'd  him  to  the  tree, 

Deeply  wailing. 
Shall  the  true  IMessiah  see! 


THE   JUDGMENT.  351 

3  When  the  solemn  trump  has  sounded, 

Heav'n  and  eartli  sliall  flee  away  ; 

All  who  hate  liim  must,  confounded, 

Hear  the  summons  of  that  day — 

"Come  to  judgment! — 
Come  to  judgment — come  away." 

4  Yea,  amen  ! — let  all  adore  thee. 

High  on  thine  eternal  throne  ! 
Saviour,  take  the  pow'r  and  glory; 
Make  thy  righteous  sentence  known '. 

O  come  quickly — 
Claim  the  kingdom  for  thine  own ! 

158  HYMN.     7's. 

1  HARK !— that  shout  of  rapt'rous  joy, 

Bursting  forth  from  yonder  cloud ! 
Jesus  comes— and  through  the  sky, 
Angels  tell  their  joy  aloud. 

2  Hark!  the  trumpet's  awful  voice 

Sounds  abroad  through  sea  and  landj 
Let  his  people  now  rejoice  ! 
Their  redemption  is  at  hand. 

3  See!  the  Lord  appears  in  view; 

Heav'n  and  earth  before  him  fly! 
Rise,  ye  saints,  he  comes  for  you — 
Rise  to  meet  him  in  the  sky. 

4  Go,  and  dwell  with  him  above. 

Where  no  foe  can  e'er  molest; 
Happy  in  the  Saviour's  love! 
Ever  blessing,  ever  blest, 

159  HYMN.     8's,  T's,  and  4's. 

1  DAY  of  judgment — day  of  wonders! 

Hark! — the  trumpet's  awful  sound, 
Louder  than  a  thousand  thunders, 
Shakes  the  vast  creation  round ! 

How  the  summons 
Will  the  sinner's  heart  confound! 

2  See  the  Judge,  our  nature  wearing, 

Clothed  in  majesty  divine! 
You  who  long  for  his  appearing. 
Then  shall  say,  "  This  God  is  mine!* 

Gracious  Saviour, 
Own  me  in  that  day  for  thine! 


HEAVEN.  352 


3  At  his  call  the  dead  awaken, 

Rise  to  lii'e  from  earth  and  sea : 
All  the  powers  of  nature,  shaken 
By  his  looks,  prepare  to  flee : 

Careless  sinner, 
What  will  then  become  of  thee  1 

4  But  to  those  who  have  confessed. 

Loved  and  served  tlie  Lord  below, 
He  will  say,  "Come  near,  ye  blessed, 
See  the   kingdom  I  bestow; 

You  forever 
Shall  my  love  and  glory  know." 

160  HYMN.     CM. 

Banishment  from  God  intolerable, 

1  THAT  awful  day  will  surely  come, 

Th'  appf)int(>d  hour  makes  haste. 
When  1  must  stand  before  my  Judge, 
And  pass  the  solemn  test. 

2  Thou  lovely  Chief  of  all  my  joys — 

Thou  Sov'reign  of  my  heart — 
How  could  I  bear  to  hear  thy  voice 
•    Pronounce  the  word — "  Depart !" 

3  O !  wretched  state  of  deep  despair, 

To  see  my  God  remove. 
And  fix  my  doleful  station  where 
I  must  not  taste  his  love. 

4  Oh  !  tell  me  that  my  worthless  name 

Is  graven  on  thy  hands; 
Show  me  some  promise  in  thy  book, 
Where  my  salvation  stands. 


HEAVEN. 

101  HYMN.     S.  M. 

Rest  in  Heaven. 

1  OH!  where  shall  rest  be  found? 
Rest  for  the  weary  soul  ! 
'Twere  vain  tlie  ocean's  depths  to  sound. 
Or  search  from  pole  to  pole. 


HEAVEN.  353 

2  Tlie  world  can  never  give 

The  bliss  for  which  we  sigh; 
'Tis  not  the  whole  of  life  to  live, 
Nor  all  of  death  to  die. 

3  Beyond  this  vale  of  tears 

There  is  a  life  above, 
Unnitasur'd  by  the  flight  of  years — 
And  all  that  life  is  love. 

162  HYMN.     C.  M. 

The  Peace  and  Repose  of  Heaven. 

1  THERE  is  an  hour  of  hallow'd  peace 

For  those  witfi  cares  opprest, 
Where  sigiis  and  sorr'wing  tears  shall  cease, 

And  all  be  hush'd  to  rest: 
'Tis  then  the  soul  is  freed  from  fears 

And  doubts,  which  here  annoy; 
Then  they  that  ofl  had  sown  in  tears, 

Shall  reap  again  in  joy. 

2  There  is  a  home  of  sweet  repose, 

Where  storms  assail  no  more; 
The  stream  of  endless  pleasure  flows 

On  that  celestiid  shore: 
There  purity  with  love  appears. 

And  bliss  without  alloy; 
There  they  that  ofl  had  sown  in  tears, 

Shall  reap  again  in  joy. 

163  HYMN.     L.  M. 

The  Wortiliip  of  Heaven, 

1  O  FOR  a  sweet  inspiring  ray. 
To  animate  our  feeble  strains, 
From  the  bright  realms  of  endless  day, 
The  blissful  realms,  where  Jesus  reigns! 

2  Tiicre,  low  before  his  glorious  throne, 
Adoring  saints  and  angels  fall; 
And  with  delightful  worship  own. 

His  smile  their  bliss,  their  heav'n,  their  alL 

3  Immortal  glories  crown  his  head. 
While  tuneful  hallelujahs  rise, 

And  love,  and  joy,  and  triumph  spread 
Through  all  th'  assemblies  of  the  skies. 
2E2 


351  HEAVEN. 

4  Ke  smiles,  and  seraphs  tune  their  songs 
To  boundless  rapture,  while  they  iraze: 
Ten  thousand,  thousand  joyful  tongues 
Resound  his  everlasting  praise. 

5  There  all  the  foll'wers  of  the  Lamb 
Shall  join  at  last  the  lieav'niy  clioir: 
O  may  the  joy  inspiring  theme 
Awake  our  faith  and  warm  desire! 

6  Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  spirit  seal 
Our  int'rest  in  that  blissful  place; 
Till  death  remove  this  mortal  veil, 
And  we  behold  thy  lovely  face. 


164  IIYMx>J.     8's  and  6's. 

Tlie  Everlasting  Bliss  of  Heaven. 

1  IIEAV'N  is  the  land  where  troubles  cease, 

AVhere  toils  and  tears  are  o'er; 
The  blissful  clime  of  rest  and  peace, 

Where  cares  distract  no  more, 
And  not  the  shadow  of  distress 
Dims  its  unsullied  blessedness. 

2  Ileav'n  is  the  place  where  Jesus  lives. 

To  plead  his  dying  blood; 
While  to  his  pray'rs,  Ids  Father  gives 

An  unknown  multitude. 
Whose  harps  and  tongues,  through  endless  d 
Shall  crown  his  head  with  songs  of  praise. 

3  Heav'n  is  the  dwelline-place  of  joy, 

The  home  of  light  and  love, 
Where  Hnth  and  hope  in  rapture  die. 

And  ransom'd  souls  above 
Enjoy,  before  th'  eternal  throne. 
Bliss  everlasting  and  unknown. 


165  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  WTTEN  I  can  read  my  title  clear 
To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
I  bid  farewell  to  every  fear. 
And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes. 


HEAVEN.  355 


2  Should  earth  against  my  soul  engage. 

And  hellish  darts  be  liurj'd, 
Then  1  can  smile  at  Satan's  rage, 
And  face  a  frowning  world. 

3  Let  cares  like  a  wild  deluge  come, 

And  storms  of  sorrow  fall ; 
May  I  but  safely  reach  my  home, 
My  God,  my  heav'n,  my  all : — 

4  There  shall  I  bathe  my  weary  soul 

In  seas  of  heav'nly  rest. 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast. 


166  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  THERE  is  a  land  of  pure  delight, 

Where  saints  immortal  reign; 
Infinite  day  excludes  the  night. 
And  pleasures  banish  pain. 

2  There  everlasting  spring  abides, 

And  never-witli'ring  flow'rs : 
Death,  like  a  narrow  sea,  divides 
Tliis  heav'nly  land  from  ours. 

3  Sweet  fields  beyond  the  swelling  flood, 

Stand  dress'd  in  living  green ; 

So  to  the  Jews  old  Canaan  stood, 

While  Jordan  roH'd  between. 

4  But  tim'rous  mortals  start  and  shrmk. 

To  cross  this  narrow  sea ; 
And  linger,  shiv'riiig  on  the  brink. 
And  ifear  to  launch  away. 

5  O !  could  we  make  our  doubts  remove, 

Those  gloomy  doubts  that  rise. 
And  see  the  Canaan  that  we  love 
With  unbeclouded  eyes  ! — 

6  Could  we  but  climb  where  Moses  stood, 

And  view  the  landscape  o'er. 
Not  Jordan's  stream,  nor  death's  cold  flood. 
Should  fright  us  from  the  shore. 


356  HEAVEN. 


167  IIYMX.     8's,  and  Q's. 
The  Peace  and  Rest  of  Heaven. 

1  THERE  is  an  hour  of  peaceful  rest, 

To  mourning  wand'rers  giv'n ; 
There  is  a  joy  for  souls  distress'd, 
A  balm  for  cv'ry  wounded   breast — 

'Tis  found  above  in  heav'n. 

2  There  is  a  home  for  weary  souls, 

By  sin  and  sorrow  driv'n, 
When  toss'd  on  life's  tempestuous  shoals. 
Where  storms  arise,  and  ocean  rolls, 

And  all  is  drear  but  heav'n. 

3  There  faith  lifts  up  her  cheerful  eye, 

To  brighter  prospects  giv'n  ; 
And  views  the  tempest  passing  by. 
The  ev'ning  shadows  quickly  fly, 

And  all  serene  in  heav'n ! 

4  There,  fragrant  flowers  immortal,  bloom, 

And  joys  supreme  are  given: 
There,  rays  divine  disperse  the  gloom: — 
Beyond  the  confines  of  the  tomb. 

Appears  the  dawn  of  heav'n. 

168  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  JERUSALEM!  my  happy  home! 

Name  ever  dear  to  me! 
Wlien  shall  my  labours  have  an  end, 
In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee! 

2  When  shall  these  eyes  thy  heav'n-built  w  alls 

And  pearly  gates  behold  ? 
Thy  bulwarks,  with  salvation  strong, 
And  streets  of  shining  gold  ? 

3  O,  when,  thou  city  of  my  Ood, 

Shall  I  thy  courts  ascend, 
Where  congregations  ne'er  break  up, 
And  Sabbatlis  have  no  end  ? 

4  There  happier  bow'rs  than  Eden's  bloom, 

Nor  sin  nor  sorrow  know: 
Blest  seats!  through  rude  and  stormy  sc 
I  onward  press  to  you. 


HEAVEN.  357 


5  Why  should  I  shrink  at  pain  and  wol 

Or  fee!  at  death,  dismay  ] 
I've  Canaan's  goodly  land  in  view, 
And  realms  of  endless  day. 

6  Apostles,  martyrs,  prophets  there, 

Around  my  Saviour  stand ; 
And  soon  my  friends  in  Christ  below, 
Will  join  the  glorious  band. 

7  Jerusalem!  my  happy  home! 

My  soul  still  pants  for  tiiee! 
Then  shall  my  labours  have  an  end, 
When  I  thy  joys  shall  see. 

169  HYMN.     L.  M. 

1  "WE'VE  no  abiding  city  here" — 

This  may  distress  the  worldly  mind; 
But  should  not  cost  the  saint  a  tear, 
Who  hopes  a  better  rest  to  find. 

2  "We've  no  abiding- city  here" — 

Sad  truth,  were  this  to  be  our  home: 
But  let  this  thought  our  spirits  cheer, 
"  We  seek  a  city  yet  to  come." 

3  "We've  no  abiding  city  here" — 

Then  let  us  live  as  pilgrims  do; 

Let  not  the  world  our  rest  appear. 

But  let  us  haste  from  all  below. 

4  "We've  no  abiding  city  here" — 

We  seek  a  city  out  of  sight ; 
Zion  its  name — the  Lord  is  there, 
It  shines  with  everlasting  light. 

170  HYMN.     8's. 

Earnest  Desire  of  Heaven, 

1  I  LONG  to  behold  him  array'd 

With  glory  and  light  from  above,— 
The  King  in  his  beauty  display'd. 

His  beauty  of  holiest  love: 
I  languish  and  sigh  to  be  there, 

Wliere  Jesus  has  fix'd  his  abode: 
Oh  when  shall  we  meet  in  the  air, 

And  fly  to  the  mountain  of  God'' 


558  HEAVEX. 

2  With  him  I  on  Zion  shall  stanrl, 

(P'or  Jesus  hath  spoken  tiie  word,) 
The  breadth  of  Ininianuel's  land 

Survey  by  the  light  of  my  Lord; 
But  when  on  thy  bosom  reclined, 

Thy  fiice  I  am  strengthen'd  to  see, 
My  fulness  of  rapture  I  find, 

My  heaven  of  heavens,  in  thee. 

3  How  happy  the  people  that  dwell 

Secure  in  the  city  above ! 
No  pain  the  inhabitants  feel, 

No  sickness  or  sorrow  shall  prove 
Physician  of  souls,  unto  me 

Forgiveness  and  holiness  give; 
And  then  from  the  body  set  free. 

And  then  to  the  city  receive. 


171  HYMN.     7's. 

The  Redeemed  in  Heaven. 

1  WHAT  are  these  in  bright  array, 

This  innumerable  throng 
Round  the  altar  night  and  day. 

Hymning  one  triumphant  song: 
"  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  once  slain, 

Blessing,  honour,  glory,  power, 
Wisdom,  riches,  to  obtain, 

New  dominion,  every  hour, 

2  These  through  fiery  trials  trod. 

These  from  great  affliction  came ; 
Now  before  the  thi-one  of  God, 

Soal'd  with  his  Almighty  name; 
Clad  in  raiment  pure  and  white, 

Victor-palms  in  every  hand. 
Through  their  dear  Redeemer's  mighti 

More  than  conquerors  they  stand. 

3  Hunger,  thirst,  disease  unknown 

On  immortal  fruits  they  feed; 
Them,  the  Lamb  amidst  the  throne. 

Shall  to  living  fountains  lead: 
Joy  and  gladness  banish  sighs, 

Perfect  love  dispels  all  fears, 
And  for  ever  from  their  eyes, 

God  shall  wipe  away  the  tears. 


HEAVEN. 

172  HYMN.     L.  M 

Vanity  of  the  World,  and  Happhxcss  of  Heaven. 

1  HOW  vain  is  all  beneath  the  skies'. 

How  transient  every  earthly  bliss! 
How  slender  all  the  fondest  ties, 
That  bind  us  to  a  world  like  this ! 

2  The  ev'nintr  cloud,  the  morning  dew, 

The  with'rinir  grass,  the  fading  flower 
Of  earthly  liopes^are  emblems  true — 
The  glory  of  a  passing  hour ! 

3  But,  though  earth's  fliirest  blossoms  die, 

And  alT  beneath  the  skies  is  vain, 
There  is  a  land  whose  confines  lie 
Beyond  the  reach  of  care  and  pain. 

4  Then  let  the  hope  of  joys  to  come 

Dispel  our  cares,  and  chase  our  fears, 
If  God  be  ours,  we're  trav'ling  home, 
Though  passing  through  a  vale  of  tears, 

173  HYMN.     C.  M. 

1  O  HAPPY  soul,  that  lives  on  high, 

While  men  lie  grov'ling  here! 
His  hopes  are  fixed  above  the  sky, 
And  faith  forbids  his  fear.. 

2  His  conscience  knows  no  secret  stings, 

While  grace  and  joy  combine 
To  form  a  life  whose  holy  springs 
Are  hidden  and  divine. 

3  He  waits  in  secret  on  his  God, 

His  God  in  secret  sees; 
Let  earth  be  all  in  arms  abroad. 

He  dwells  in  heavenly  peace. 

4  His  pleasures  rise  from  things  unseen, 

Beyond  this  world  of  time. 
Where  neither  eyes  nor  ears  have  been 
Nor  thoughts  of  mortals  ciimb. 

5  He  wants  no  pomp  nor  royal  throne. 

To  raise  his  fisure  here; 
Content  and  pleased  to  live  alone, 
Till  Christ  liis  life  appear. 


359 


860  HEAVEN. 

174  HYMxN.     10  and  11. 

View  of  Heaven. 

1  ON  winss  of  faith,  mount  up,  my  soul,  and  rise, 
View  thine  inheritance  beyond  tiie  skies  ; 

Nor  heart  can  tliink,  nor  mortal  tongue  can  tell, 
What  endless  pleasures  in  those  mansions  dwell; 
There  my  Redeemer  lives,  all  brisrht  and  iziorious. 
O'er  sin,  and  death,  and  heJI,  he  reigns  victorious. 

2  No  gnawing  grief,  no  sad  heart-rending  pain 
In  that  bless'd  country  can  admission  gain; 
No  sorrow  there,  no  soul-tormenting  fear, 

For  God's  own  hand  shall  wipe  the  falling  tear: 
There  my  Redeemer  lives,  &c. 

3  Before  the  throne  a  crystal  river  glides, 
Immortal  verdure  decks  its  cheerful  sides; 
There  the  fair  tree  of  life  majestic  rears 

Its  blooming  head,  and  sovereign  virtue  bears: 
There  my  Redeemer  lives,  &,c. 

4  No  rising  sun  his  transient  beam  displays, 
No  sickly  moon  emits  her  feeble  rays; 
The  Godhead  there  celestial  glory  sheds, 
Th'  exalted  Lamb  eternal  radiance  spreads: 

There  my  Redeemer  lives,  &.c. 

5  One  distant  glimpse  my  eager  passion  fires 
Jesus,  to  thee  my  longing  soul  aspires! 
When  shall  1  at  my  heav'nly  home  arrive — 
When  leave  this  earth,  and  when  begin  to  live? 

For  there  my  Saviour  is  all  bright  and  glorious. 
O'er  sin,  and  death,  and  hell,  he  reigns  victorioua 


THE     END. 


STAI3DARD    SPEAKERS, 

PUBl.ISHED    BY   CHARLKS    DESILVER, 

CHESTNUT    STREET,    PIULADELPHIA. 


SARGENT'S  SERIES  OF  STANDARD  SPEAKERS. 


THE    STANDARD    SPEAKER; 

COSTAIXISa 

FOR   DECLAMATION   IN  SCHOOLS,  ACADEMIES,  LYCEUMS,  AND  COLLEGES. 

■  KWI.Y    IRANSLATF.D    OR    COMPILED    FKOM    CELEBRATF.n    ORATORS,    AUTHORS,    AllR 
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THE 
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COXTAIXl.va 

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tained in  the  larger  Standard  Speaker. 


For  beginners  in  Declamation,  this  is  the  most  attractive  and  8er\'iceablo  work 
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All  the  above  works  are  models  of  tasto  in  typography,  Ac. ;  they  are  printed 
upon  fine  paper,  and  great  care  has  been  taken  to  render  them  fully  equal  to  the 
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6 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 


OPINIONS    OF    CRITICS    AND    TEACHERS 

M  jiave  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  the  "  Standard  SpeakiT"  is  tlic  lu-st  compilation  o; 
the  \  lod,  in  the  variety  and  in  the  comprehcnsivenesH  of  its  selections,  which  has  yet  beeo 
madft  on  either  side  of  the  Atlantic.  The  various  pieces  are  selected  with  );reat  judgment 
from  a  long  array  of  celebrated  orators  and  writers,  and  not  only  is  the  volume  admirably 
adapted  to  serve  its  primal  purposes  as  a  Speaker,  but  the  general  reader  will  find  it  to  be  • 
most  stimulating  and  attractive  book,  far  excelling  any  work  of  "  elegant  extracts"  we  hav* 
Been. —  £.  P.  WUippU,  Die  well-known  Essaj/ist  and  Critic 

I  pronounce  "Sargent's  Series  of  Speakers"  to  be  decidedly  superior  to  any  I  have  }ti 
seen;  and  I  will  spare  no  pains  in  endeavoring  to  introduce  them,  not  only  into  the  schoD. 
of  which  I  have  charge,  but  also,  into  others,  as  far  as  my  acquaintance  extends.  —  GiUi 
UoLliaway,  I'l-ina'pal  of  TaylorsviUe  Suminary,  Taylorsville,  Ky. 


Beside  the  old  standard  pieces,  Mr.  Sargent  has  given  us  a  great  many  new  ones,  and,  to 
my  surpri.se,  has  put  a  new  vigor  into  some  of  the  old  translations,  which  makes  them  quit* 
new  and  redolent  of  their  originals.  —  E.  S.  Dixwdl,  Esq.,  late  Principal  of  Vvt  Public  Latin 
School,  Boston.  . 

I  trust  that  the  improvement  of  the  pupils  of  the  old  Latin  School  in  elocution,  will  soon 
afford  the  most  gratifying  proofs  of  the  good  service  rendered  them  by  putting  into  their  handt 
a  collection  of  pieces  so  admirably  adapted  to  their  purposes.— /Va/icis  Gardner,  Principai  of 
l/te  I'ublic  Latin  School,  Boston.         

I  have  been  using  "  Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  as  a  text-book  in  my  class  in  Klocution, 
and  I  are.  highly  pleased  with  it.  It  is  the  best  work  I  have  met  with.  My  students  are 
themselves  delighted  with  it,  which  I  consider  a  better  recommendation  than  any  I  might 
offer.  —  Jasper  Packard,  La  Porte,  Ind. 

I  consider  the  "Standard  Speaker"  an  invaluable  companion  in  the  school-room,  and  that 
for  beauty  of  arrangement  and  the  tasV;  evinced  in  the  collection  of  the  several  pieces,  it  h  Ida 
a  position  pre-eminently  superior  to  ^at  of  any  other  work  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  examired. 
—  W.  Hamilton  Myers,  Johnstown,  jfti,. 


Having  given  "  Sargent's  Standard  and  Primary  Speakers"  a  thorough  perusal,  I  sf  >all 
advisedly  when  I  say  that  they  are  the  best  works  of  the  kind  ever  issued  from  the  American 
press.  I  have  adopted  them  in  the  Institute,  and  am  now  using  them  with  great  satisfac- 
tion.—  J.  D.  H.  Curwine,  Principal  nf  Institute,  Crittenden,  Ky. 

Sargent's  "  Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  needs  but  to  be  known  to  be  appreciated.  Wa 
shall  use  the  work,  thankful  to  the  author  for  the  valuable  .selection  he  has  given  us,  and  to 
the  publisher  for  the  attractive  mechanical  dress  in  which  he  has  presented  it. — M.  L  Hqfford, 
Ikverly,  N.  J.  

I  am  very  much  pleased  with  "Sargent's  Standard  Speakers,"  and  h.ive  no  hesitation  in 
laying  that  I  regard  them,  in  several  important  particulars,  as  the  best  works  of  the  kind 
that  have  come  under  my  observation.  —  L.  A.  Spencer,  Priticipal  of  Siva7tsbord'  Academy, 
Swansboro',  North  Carolina.  

The  "Standard  Speaker"  furni.shea  by  far  the  best  storehouse  of  oratorical  matter  with 
Whli-h  I  am  acquainted  —  probably  superior  to  any  other  in  the  language.  —  G.  F.  Thayer, 
rretiderU  of  the  American  Institute,  and  Principal  nf  the  Chauncey  Place  School,  Boston. 

The  "  Standard  Speaker"  contains  the  choicest  selections  of  oratorical  literature  in  th« 
Vlngl-.-sh  language.  No  man  of  any  literary  taste  can  call  his  library  complete  without  it.  — 
H'.  IT.  Boies,  Hennepin,  III. 

I  have  used  the  "  Standard  Speaker"  for  a  number  of  years,  and  I  am  very  happy  to  saj 
that  it  is  unrivalled  in  the  number  and  excellence  of  its  selections.  —  Geo.  P.  Butler,  EaM 
fhland,  Maine.  

The  "  Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  pleases  me  so  much,  that  I  shall  recommend  it  to 
Uie  booksellers  in  my  vicinity. — O.  O.  Wheeler,  South  Hero,  VL 

I  am  using  "Sargent's  Standard  Speakers"  in  my  school,  and  like  them  very  mach.  —  W 
7.  Mivchell,  GermatUottn,  Tenn. 

7 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Spcakei's. 


OPINIONS     OF     EMINENT     MEN        ETC. 

Mr.  Sar(r<"nt  hnp  piven  new  and  improved  traiistatioiis  of  great  merit  from  the  mDst  re'» 
brated  orntions  of  antiquity,  in  Greek  and  Latin;  from  tlie  most  i'islint;uislie<l  ttTorts..f 
modern  eloquence  in  the  hinKu:iKc'.s  of  civilized  Europe;  and  cide  by  side  with  these,  amid 
the  masterpieces  of  a  Cliatliam  and  Burke,  and  Sheridan  and  Fox,  he  ha-s  phiced  many  spoi 
mens  of  our  cis- .Atlantic  eloquence,  which  have  no  rea.son  to  shun  the  pro.ximity  and  conif  »- 
rison.  The  material  and  mechanic-il  execution  of  the  work,  and  especially  the  accuracy  of 
puuctuatian,  are  worthy  of  the  hitrhest  commendation;  and  while,  with  Rrcat  pleasure,  we 
recommend  this  compilation  to  those  institutions  for  the  especial  use  of  which  it  was  de- 
ti;;ned,  we  venture  to  say  tliat  the  desultory  reader  will  not  peruse  it  without  proDt  and  sali* 
tiClioa.  —  rro/cssor  WhUwell,  I-\irmers'  College,  Ohio. 


'•Snr^ent's  Standard  Speaker"  embraces  a  fair  representation  of  specimens  of  the  eloquenct 
cf  all  nations  and  languajres.  It  is  remarkably  complete  in  all  tlie  departments  of  modern 
eloquence,  and  yet,  aft.T  a  dili;;eiit  scrutiny,  we  find  tliat  the  editor  has  judiciously  retained 
nearly  all  of  ttiose  old  st;indard  favorite  pieces,  whether  in  prose  or  poetry,  whicli  we  hop* 
m.iy  ahvay.s  be  perpetuated  in  the  paycs  of  speaking-books  and  the  memories  of  youth.— 
C/tarUs  Uale. 

"Sar^rent's  Standard  Speaker"  presents  an  unexampled  range  of  well-systematized  produc- 
tions of  the  most  distinguished  orators  and  writers  of  the  world,  from  wliich  tlie  favored 
student  who  possesses  it  may,  during  his  whole  course  preparatory  to  an  active  and  earnest 
participation  in  public  alTair.s.  derive  the  best  examples  of  eloquence  of  various  styles  and  io 
Its  various  departments.  — ^///-cJ  SUbbins,  Principal  of  High  iScliool,  Northamplon,  Muss. 


I  have  seen  no  work  which  contains  so  complete  and  judicious  a  collection  of  pieces  for  d» 
rlamation  as  "Sar;:ont's  .Standard  .'Speaker."  The  intro.luctory  treatise  contains  many  valu- 
able directions  to  the  student;  tlic  original  translations  are  rendered  into  excellent  Kn^'lisli ; 
Bud  the  whole  deserves  to  6e  regarded  as  a  highly  important  contribution  to  the  wautji  of  out 
literary  institutions.  —  Thomas  Sherwin,  Principal  of  Uiyh  isctioU,  Boston,  Mass. 


The  arrangement  of  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  appears  to  me  to  be  an  excellent  one 
and  the  selections  are,  in  all  respecti,  unexceptionable.  I  cannot  doubt  that  the  book  must 
be  extensively  useful.  —  MiUard  PUlinore. 


"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  a  work  which  cannot  fail  to  be  useful,  and  to  be  well  re- 
ceived by  the  public.  —  Lewis  Cuss. 


OPINIONS     OF     THE     PRESS. 

"Sargent's  standard  Speaker"  is  manifestly  the  most  comprehensive  cc'.lection  of  the  kind, 
and  we  doubt  if  ever  no  much  labor  was  given  to  one  before.  Besides  the  many  new  and 
spirited  translations  from  the  ancient  languages  and  from  the  French  which  are  given,  the 
editor  seems  to  have  carefully  studied  the  works  of  all  the  great  orators,  from  DemosthenM 
to  Chatham,  and  from  I'utvick  Henry  to  Henry  Clay,  for  appropriate  extracts,  now  for  the 
first  time  adopted  as  eli>cutionary  exercises.  This  work  should  be  in  the  posscsbion  of  eTcry 
teacher  and  pupil.  —  Louisville  Journal. 


"The  Standard  Speaker,"  by  Mr.  Kpes  Sargent,  is  the  most  comprehensive  collection  of  exer- 
cises for  declamation  and  elocution  wlilch  has  ever  been  publis)ie<l  In  this  country.  It  com> 
prl-'es  several  hiiiiilri'il  arlirles  In  prose  and  vers*',  gleaned  from  the  best  writers  and  oratora, 
ancient  and  modern.  —  Autionul  InUUiymctr,  Wathingtun,  D.  C. 


"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  Is  a  very  artist-llko  book.  It  eclipses  every  previous  colIa» 
tlon  of  the  kind,  the  editor  having  evidently  bestowed  u|>on  it  a  degree  of  lalior  which  hat 
been  given  to  no  similar  proiiuclion.  A  capital  Introductory  treatise  on  elocution,  and  a  full 
Index,  give  completeness  to  the  volume.  —  Sew  OrUans  IHcayune. 

8 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 

•— ♦ — ♦ 

OPINIONS     OFTHE     PRESS. 

"Sargent's  Standnrd  Speaker"  is  one  of  the  best  books  of  the  kind  yet  presented  to  lh« 
public.  It  shows  common  sense  and  RuoU  sense  in  its  introduction,  is  judicious  in  Its  ex- 
tracts,  copious  in  those  departments  of  the  Senate  and  tlie  Bar,  where  Americans  should  b« 
best  informed,  and  is  free  throughout  from  the  prevailing  preference— in  school-books  of  thit 
ilass  — for  e.xpediency  before  classicality.  Mr.  Sargent's  taste  accepts  nothing  that  is  not  wor- 
thy, and  omits  little  that  is  desirable.  Wo  commeud  his  "Standard  Speaker"  to  the  atlca- 
tion  of  teachers.  —  Literary  World. 

"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  the  most  thorough  and  comprehrnsive  collection  of  elo- 
cutionary exercises  that  we  remember  to  have  seen.  As  a  compendium  of  the  elo(|uence  of 
all  nations  and  times,  it  is  %yell  deserving  of  a  place  in  every  library;  while  as  a  repo.'iitory 
of  pieces  admirably  adapted  in  their  length  and  general  character  for  declamation  and  reci- 
tation in  schools,  it  cannot  fail  to  be  wiJely  introduced  into  our  seminaries  of  learning. — Z>* 
mocratic  Review. 


"  Sarf  ent's  Standard  Spe.iker"  is  an  admirable  collection  for  the  purposes  of  school  decla- 
mation, and  is  introduced  with  a  valuable  treatise  upon  the  principles  of  the  art.  The  .selec- 
tions, varied,  copious,  and  directed  by  excellent  taste,  are  from  Knglish  and  American  orators, 
and  translations  from  foreign  writers.  \V«  do  what  we  very  seldom  do  in  regard  to  a  school" 
book  —  heartily  endorse  it.  —  I'romdertce,  {li.  /.)  Journal. 


No  Speaker  extant  —  none  ever  publi.shed  —  contains  so  many  gems  of  oratory,  so  large  an 
amount  and  splendid  variety  of  pieces,  as  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker."  In  the  case  of  se- 
lections, care  has  been  taken  to  collect  them  from  the  latest  and  most  authentic  editions  of 
the  works  from  which  they  are  extracted ;  and  thus  many  current  errors  and  mutilations 
have  been  avoided.  —  Troy  (iV.  I'.)  Daily  Timts. 


The  "  Standard  Speaker,"  by  Mr.  Epes  Sargent,  brother  of  our  fellow-citizen,  supplies  a  de- 
sideratum long  needed  in  our  school.s  and  colleges,  and  which  we  hope,  for  the  sake  of  the 
hitherto  neglected  and  highly  important  branch  of  education  of  which  it  treats,  may  at  ones 
be  adopted  into  the  educational  institutions  throughout  the  land. — Davenport  (Iowa)  Gazette. 


It  is  not  merely  as  a  judicious  manual  for  educational  purpo.ses  that  we  recommend  "Sap- 
gent's  Standard  Speaker"  to  our  readers.  It  is,  in  fact,  a  collection  of  many  of  the  rarest  and 
brightest  gems  in  English  literature,  no  less  adaptt-d  to  family  reading  and  literary  refer- 
ence than  to  use  in  the  classes  of  a  school.  —  New  York  Tribune. 


The  pulpit,  the  bench,  the  bar,  the  legislative  hall,  and  the  lecture-room  of  our  own  and 
even  forei.'n  countries,  have  each  furnished  their  contribution.s,  and  the  book  has  high  claims 
to  its  title  of  being  the  "  Standard  Speaker."  We  commend  it  to  the  attention  of  professors 
and  students  of  oratory  everywhere.  —  Cincinnati  Cfiriitian  Herald. 


From  a  somewhat  familiar  acquaintance  with  Speakers  of  this  description,  we  feel  qualifled 
to  pmnounce  the  opinion  that  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  the  best  work  of  the  kind 
extant.  We  have  no  doubt  but  it  will  readily  be  adopted  as  a  standard  in  all  our  schools  and 
colleges.  —  New  York  Mirror. 

Such  is  Sargent's  Standard  Speaker,"  that,  while  it  will  be  found  to  justify  its  title  in  ths 
retention  of  all  the  standard  specimens  of  rhetoric  suitaule  for  its  purposes,  it  presents,  in 
its  large  proportion  of  new  exercises  of  a  high  character,  fresh  and  enduring  claims  to  popu- 
larity.—  International  Magazine. 

As  a  book  to  be  used  in  instruction.  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  excellent,  the  pieces 
being  well  adapted  for  declamation,  and  the  introductory  essay  full,  judicious,  and  instmctirflb 
We  commend  it  to  the  special  attention  of  young  speakers  —  Cincinnati  Gazette. 

9 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 


rh«  celebratfd  ppeeohe*  of  Kobesiiicrre,  "Aj^ainst  W:ir."  niul  "  Morality  the  Basis  of  CItI 
tiled  Society,"  and  the  speeches  of  Mirabeau  iinJ  Victor  IIu^'o.  are  now  for  tlie  first  tim» 
placed  before  the  American  student  of  oratory  ;  and  "8arKent's  Standard  t^peaker"  as  a 
whole—  its  unusual  v:irii-ty,  nietho<lical  arrangement,  and  comprehensive  grouping,  constitute! 
Ibe  most  valuable  collection  of  literary  gems  that  can  be  imugiaud.  —  CincintuUi  Daily  Alias. 


The  collection  is  an  admirable  one,  eminently  judicious  in  the  length  of  its  articles,  as  well 
»s  in  the  great  variety  of  the  schools  and  styles  of  eloquence;  and  the  fine  taste  of  the  ccm- 
pier  has  left  nothing  to  le  wished  for  in  the  tone,  moral  or  intellectual,  of  his  book.  Wf 
think  •'  Sargent's  Standard  Speaker  "  will  supply  a  desideratum  long  existing  in  our  public 
leminaries  —  A'eio  Bedford  Mercury. 


The  selections  in  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  are  from  the  most  celebrated  authors  acd 
orators,  ancient  and  modern,  and  the  translations  from  foreign  languages  are  new.  It  it 
adapted  in  all  respects  for  high  schools,  academies,  colleges,  and  public  schools  of  tho  higher 
grades,  and  will  meet  with  the  heartiest  approbation  of  teachers  in  these  educational  institu- 
tions.—  iVeto  Haven  I'alladium. 


In  comparing  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  with  its  predecessors  of  the  same  genus,  we 
find  it  of  so  distinct  a  species,  that  we  may  call  it  original.  It  is  a  great  step  in  advance  of 
them  in  idea  and  in  fact.  The  whole  collection  may  be  called  living  specimens.  The  essay  OD 
oratory  is  an  excellent  production,  and  the  notes  a  rich  addition.  —  CincimuUi  Timu. 


We  recommend  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  to  the  attention  of  teachers,  students,  and 
others,  who  will  find  it  a  depository  of  the  true  and  beautifui  iu  the  world  of  thought,  which 
have  enchained  .senates,  swayed  the  popular  miud,  and  exercised  such  an  iutlucuce  on  the 
destinies  of  nations.  —  Jiangor  {He.)  Daily  Mercury. 


"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  evidently  a  work  of  much  labor,  and  has  bc»n  prepared 
with  great  taste  and  e.\cellent  discretion.  Not  only  is  it  adapted  to  serve  its  primal  purpose 
as  a  Speaker,  but  to  the  general  reader  it  will  be  found  to  be  a  most  stimulating  uud  altrao- 
live  book.  —  Boston  Daily  Journal. 

"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker  "  is  the  largest,  most  varied,  and  best  collection  of  pieces  for 
declamation  that  we  have  seen.  It  will  prove  a  great  aoiuisilion  to  the  youth  whose  duty  it 
Is  "to  appear  in  public  on  the  stage." —  L'tica  (iV.  J'.)  Daily  GasiiU. 


"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  will  prove  a  decided  ac<juisition.  While  it  evinces  the  judg- 
ment of  the  author,  it  also  indicates  an  extensive  and  familiar  aciiuoiutanco  with  the  tiwt 
writers  and  speakers,  ancient  and  modern.  —  Baltimore  American. 


In  the  eomblnation  of  many  excellencies,  "Sargunt'a  Standard  Speaker"  seems  to  u«  the 
most  complete  and  valuable  of  the  many  works  of  the  kind  which  have  is.sued  from  the  preai 
during  the  lust  dozen  years.  —  Boston  Courier. 


Thd  merit*  of  Kpes  Sargent's  work  on  Oratory  and  Klocutlon  have  iH'en  attested  by  \l»  ge- 
neral lulopiion  in  our  schools  and  collegea  as  a  standard  book  in  the.se  brunches  of  iustruo 
tion.  —  Charleston  Evening  Xews. 

We  command  "  Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  to  aspirants  in  elocution,  for  the  great  variety 
lit  excellent  examples  and  exercise*  in  prose  and  poetry  fur  declamation  which  it  contain*.— 
London  AtUaurum. 


The  "  Standard  Speaker  "  Is  the  best  book  of  the  kind  we  have  yet  seen,  and  we  have  rx» 
mined  with  aomu  cure  every  similar  publication  that  we  could  fiti. —  Oimbridgt  C'hronicU. 


The  exercises  are  prefaced  by  an  able  treatise  on  oratory,  which  will  prove  most  valuable  ti 
all  who  wish  tu  ao^uiro  the  facility  of  speaking  well  in  public.— yiMiianj  VuUy  SenlintL 

10 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 

>  ♦  * 

OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

Tt  is  th»  paramount  duty  of  him  who  prepares  a  work  like  the  "Standard  Speaker"  U 
exflude  eviTV  8i.-ntimeut  whoso  tiMulenry  is  mischievous,  however  eloquently  uttered,  »n4 
to  suffer  not  liiiii:  there  unfU  W  he  treasured  Ihrowjh  life,  and  remembered  in  a  dijiitfj  hour.  Wo 
h;ive  ex:imii)e<l  tliis  work  with  attention,  and  are  happy  to  perceive  that  Mr.  S.ir,'eiit  has 
exercised  a  sound  discretion  in  this  important  particular.  This  work  may  well  claim  pr»- 
ci-deucy,  Imign  iiitervallo,  of  all  similar  productions  with  which  we  are  aciiuaiuted.—  Boston 
Chriilian  Observer.  

The  value  of  the  "Standard  Speaker"  is  much  enhanced  by  an  introductory  treatise  on 
Oratory  and  Klocution.  in  which  the  author  has  manifested  his  good  sense  and  judgment  by 
rejecting  the  customary  humbug  of  a  tireiiome  series  of  artificial  rules  for  reading,  by  written 
fdrmulas  and  rhetorical  notation,  which,  daring  several  years  of  experience  as  a  teacher,  we 
have  found  productive  of  no  other  result  than  to  weary  and  disgust  the  young  pupil,  with, 
to  him,  an  incomprehensible  jargon,  and  a  setof  useless  or  cabalistic  signs. — FUcIiburg  Heveille. 


The  great  feature  of  "Sargeut's  Standard  Speaker"  is  the  completeness  of  the  Senatorial 
Department,  in  which  have  been  introduced  not  only  passiiges  of  rare  beauty  and  effect  from 
Chatham.  Hurke,  Grattan,  Shiel,  JIacaulay,  and  many  others,  but  also  some  translations 
from  .Mirabcau,  Victor  Hugo,  and  other  great  speakers  of  France,  which  will  become  especial 
favorites  iu  schools  and  elocutionary  classes. —  Graham's  Magazine. 


While  the  compiler  of  the  "  Speaker"  has  retained  all  the  indispensable  masterpieces,  and 
restored  many  that  have  been  omitted  from  the  collections  the  last  twenty  years,  he  has 
given  an  amount  of  fre.sh,  new,  and  appropriate  matter,  that  will  astonish  and  delight  tha 
youthful  prize-seeking  orators  of  our  academies  and  schools.— A'«ic/.er6ocA.er  (iV.  T)  Magazine. 

"  Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  the  most  thorough  in  its  adaptation  to  its  general  purpose, 
and  the  most  extended  in  its  range,  of  any  of  the  Speakers  that  have  preceded  it.  The  book 
is  fresh,  the  pieces  are  of  the  right  length,  and  are  selected  with  most  critical  care.  —  Spring- 
ffld  (iVass.)  Republican. 

The  most  complete  and  valuable  of  the  many  works  of  the  kind  which  have  issued  from  the 
press  during  the  last  dozen  years.  All  the  old  favorites  of  our  boyi.sh  days  are  here,  togelhct 
with  a  large  amount  of  matter  which  is  wholly  new.  It  is  not  so  much  .4  ^-Speaker,"  as  tuk 
"UpcaLer."  —  JJuslon  Courier. 

We  are  dispo.sed  to  believe  this  book  will,  in  very  deed, become  the  "Standard  Speaker"  for 
our  .schools,  etc.  We  know  not  where  the  student  can  find  so  extensive  and  choice  a  collection 
of  pieces  for  declamation.  —  Boston  Daily  Traveller. 

This  "Speaker"  speaks  a.s  never  Speaker  spake  before.  *  *  *  The  work  is  executed  with 
great  discretion,  to  the  careful  exclusion  of  every  .sentiment,  however  eloquently  expressed, 
not  fit  to  be  uttered  by  the  most  fiustidious.  —  Washington  {D.  C.)  Republic. 


Tt  deserves  to  become  "  the  Standard  Speaker"  in  the  highest  schools  throughout  the  Union 
M'e  know  no  collection  of  specimens  of  remarkable  orators  heretofore  published,  that  can  be 
(<ouii>:ired  with  it  in  variety  or  extent.  —  Xew  York  Commercial  Advertiser. 


The  whole  range  of  ancient  and  modern  oratory,  pulpit,  forensic,  or  occasional,  as  well  as 
of  poetry,  dramatic,  lyrical,  or  epic,  ha.i  been  exploreil.  and  the  choicest  gems  from  each 
bi'cught  together  into  this  literary  casket.  — Lowell  Courier. 


The  volume  deserves  to  be,  what  it-s  title  claim.s,  a  "Standard  Speaker."  —  Boston  DaH% 
Advertiser  

The  "Standard  Speaker"  has  been  prepared  with  care,  industry,  and  good  taste,  and  is  n*. 
lazy  gleaning  from  the  labors  of  others.  —  Boston  Post. 


It  may  well  be  called  a  "  Standard  Speaker."    It  eclipses  everyOiing  of  Vie  kind  hitherto  pub, 
Ushed.    It  is  as  perfect  in  every  department  as  could  be  desired.  —  Salem  {Mass.)  Register. 

11 


Gargcnt's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 

«  ♦   » 

OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

The  "Intermpiliate  Standard  Speaker"  is  introductory,  beiuj;  tlio  socond  in  a  eerie*,  of 
which  the  I'riinary  ^^pe:lke^  i»  ihu  tirst.  Thus  the  difTurent  lesmiDs  iu  elocution  are  ouitabU 
to  the  ages  of  tin-  pupils,  and  tliey  proceed  iu  tlieir  ftudies  until  they  reach  tlie  highest 
example.  The  present  volume  conUtius  an  excellent  preliminary  treatise,  and  cipitul  mieo 
tiODs  from  the  uratioua  aud  writings  of  eminent  Kuropeuus  and  Americana. — isuiiday  Dup-iUJi. 


"Sargent's  Standard  Speaker"  is  an  inruluable  book,  and  Is  not  likely  to  be  soon  super- 
Reded.  Tlii.s,  with  the  Intermediate  and  i'rimary  Speakers,  forms  a  series  admirably  adapted 
to  the  wants  of  leumers  of  all  ajjes,  ii"  there  is  no  repetition  of  pieces  in  Ihe-^e  books ;  the  throe, 
eollecliTely,  containing  all  the  choice  ma.sterpieces  iu  ancient  and  modern  history. — I'kiUuidr 
phia  Surtli  American.  

The  "  Standard  Speaker"  is  one  of  the  most  superbly  executed  works  that  ^rer  emanated 
ftom  the  .\merican  press,  and  is  the  best  book  for  the  purinjses  for  which  it  w;ui  designi-d, 
ever  issued  in  the  language.  U  must  become  a  standard  school-book,  wherever  reading  aud 
•locution  are  taught.  —  Xew  York  Express. 


The  "  Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  is  another  volume  in  Mr.  Epes  Sargent's  fine  series 
of  cxerci.'ses  in  elocution.  This  is  graduati-d  for  pupils  of  an  age  between  those  to  which  the 
'•  Standard"  and  the  "  I'rimary  Speakers"  are  severally  adapted,  and  is  withal  beautifully 
printed. — ii'ew  York  Indfptndtnt.     

The  "  Primary  Standard  Speaker"  is  the  title  of  an  admirable  book  for  the  lUtU  rpfalrrrs, 
filled  with  the  most  desirable  matter,  and  beautiful  illustrations.  Tho.se  teachers  familiar 
with  the  other  works  of  Mr.  Sargent  will  need  no  other  recommendation  than  the  name  of 
the  author.  —  Scttool  Visitor,  Spencerport,  Monroe  Co.,  iV.  Y. 


The  "  Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  is  an  extremely  Interesting  publication,  contains  • 
number  of  excellent  specimens  of  oratory,  and  will  doubtless  be  a  valuable  licquisition  to  the 
■tudeut  of  elocution.  —  J'hiladclphia  Sunday  Mercury. 


The  "Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  is  especially  rich  in  spirited  declamatory  passages, 
dialogues,  and  hiiniorous  pieces.  The  arrangement  throughout  is  judicious,  and  the  mechani- 
cal execution  is  of  the  very  beat  description.  —  I'liilada.  I'tnnsylvania  Inquirer. 


The  "Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  contains  a  very  excellent  solid  collection  of  speci- 
mens of  Knglish  literature  (most  of  them  from  the  old  orators)  well  selected  for  the  use  of 
■chools.  —  I'hiladflphia  Courier.         

The  enormous  sales  of  Sargent's  Speakers  are  the  best  guarantees  of  their  excellence,  nnj 
we  are  happy  to  say  that  n  careful  examination  of  the  "  Trimary  Standanl  .speaker"  has  con- 
Tinced  us  that  its  merits  correspond  to  this  great  demand. — I'luUidUi.  Kvcninif  Jiullrlin. 


The  "Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  will  make  a  sensation  among  the  school-lioys.  Mitb 
some  familiar  and  indispensable  pieces  for  declamation,  it  contains  a  great  variety  of  new 
aud  spirited  pieces  in  prose  and  verse.  —  Huston  Daily  Qjurier. 


The  "  I'rimary  Speaker"  is  designed  for  children,  and  every  piece  in  the  book  \*  suiUible  to 
b*  committed  to  memory,  and  to  be  spoken  by  the  young. —  iVcstminsUr  Herald,  yew  ll'ii 
minfflim,  J  "a.  .^^___ 

"  Sargent's  Interme<Mato  Standard  Speaker,"  publishe<l  by  Chas.  Pesilver,  is  r.nn  of  the  K-.-V 
works  on  declamation  ever  Issued  in  the  UnitcU  Slates. —  i'AU<ula.  i'UUtc  Ledger. 


Consldenxl  strictly  as  a  Speaker,  and  not  a.»  a  Ui-ader,  we  think  the  "Standard  Speaker" 
Is  the  best  work  of  the  kind  we  have  seen.  —  I'liilada.  Saturday  Evening  I\Mt. 


"Sargent's  Stamlard  Speaker"  ii  adapted  to  tb«  wantj  of  the  whult  Union,  and  not  of  • 
ttetion.  —  Kew  OrUant  I'icayunc 

12 


Sargent's  Series  of  Standard  Speakers. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

VThile  IhR  seli'ctions  for  the  '•  Iiitermi-JiiitP  StauiliirJ  Speaker"  have  been  maJfl  with 
»iew  cliiefly  to  thrir  elTective  dechiuiatory  cliaracU'r,  tlu-y  evince,  as  ii  whole,  a  clear  peroep 
'ion  of  nil  the  re(iuireun'nt.s  of  true  eloquence,  and  effectiveness  in  public  speaking,  whether 
upon  the  ro.vtrum,  the  floor  of  Congress,  or  the  stage.  In  each  and  all  of  the  departments  is 
to  be  found  a  collection  of  gems  of  eloquence,  and  the  whole  work,  including  itj<  typography, 
has  been  presented  in  a  manner  befitting  its  high  literary  ability. — Pliila.  Evening  Arjui 


At  several  recent  school  exhibitions,  "the  Congre-ssional  Deb.ites,"  first  published  in  Epes 
Sargent's  new  "  Intermediate  Standard  Speaker,"  have  been  presented  by  tlie  pupils  with 
great  api)lause.  We  have  received  from  the  publisher  a  circular  announcing  the  issue  of  the 
last  and  smallest  volume  of  .Mr.  Sargent's  "  Series  of  Speakers."  It  is  entitled  •'  the  I'rimary 
Standard  Speaker,"  and  a  good  part  of  the  contents  arc  original.  —  Boston  Transcript. 


The  introductory  matter  of  the  "Intermediate  Standard  Speaker"  has  been  compiled  from 
the  best  author! lies,  while  the  .selections  liave  been  made  with  great  care;  the  translations  fron» 
the  Greek,  Latin,  and  French  having  been,  with  two  or  three  exceptions,  prepared  expressly 
for  this  work.  —  JS'tw  York  Courier  and  Enquirer. 


In  the  "  Primary  Standard  Speaker"  the  selections  have  been  made  with  great  care,  and 
with  (food  taste.  Wv  are  greatly  pleased  with  the  book,  as  the  pieces  are  of  moderate  length, 
Bnd  present  the  most  in.spiriting  portions  of  the  speeches  of  the  best  orators.  —  Lutheran 
Observer,  Baltimore,  Md.  

The  "Intermediate"  is  the  second  of  the  scries  of  " Sargent's  Standard  Speakers."  The 
selections  are  very  judiciously  made,  and  the  introduction,  containing  jiractinil  and  illu* 
trated  le.ssons  in  rlietoric  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Sargent,  will  bo  fouuu  extremely  useful  both 
tf>  pupil  and  teacher.  — J\«u»  Orleans  J'iaii/une. 


The  chimerical  "systems,"  through  which  a  short  cut  to  the  attainment  of  good  elocution 
4s  promised,  are  .set  down  at  their  true  value.  All  the  available  information  on  the  subject 
IS  summed  up  in  "Sargent's  Standard  Speaker." —  JVew  York  Home  Journal. 


The  "  Primary  Standard  Speaker"  is  embellished  with  spirited  wood-cuts,  and  is  just  the 
htiok  to  delight  the  young  pupil,  who  is  looking  for  pieces  to  commit  to  memory  and  declaim. 
— I'hUadelphia  Inquirer. 

"  Sargent's  Primary  Standard  Speaker"  is  especially  valuable  to  young  people,  as  it  contains 
R  flue  variety  of  original  and  selected  pieces,  adapted  to  the  declamatory  powers  of  the 
youngest  pupils.    It  is  beautifully  illustrated.  —  Philada.  Sunday  Mercury. 


The  "  Primary  Standard  Speaker,"  made  up  of  original  and  selected  pieces,  especially 
adapted  to  declamation,  for  the  youngest  pupils  in  schools,  is  well  illustrated,  and  appears  to 
be  an  excellent  book  in  other  respects. —  j^ew  Orleans  Daily  Crescent. 


Tliere  is  much  in  the  "  Primary  Speaker"  for  its  size,  acd  it  contains  several  original  trans- 
lations from  French  and  Gerunm,  together  with  many  Knglish  pieces,  not  to  be  found  in  any 
limilar  work.     Another  pl«asing  feature  is  the  illustrations.  —  Boston  I'Ost. 


For  declamation  the  "  Standard  Speaker"  is  one  of  the  best  books  ever  published,  and  is 
full  of  the  richest  gems  of  ancient  and  modern  eloquence.  — Advertiser,  St.  J'aul,  Minnesoiix. 


The  selections  in  Sargent's  "  Intermediate  and  Primary  Speakers"  are  remarkably  dis- 
irimiuating,  and,  as  far  as  we  have  observed,  free  from  all  sectional  bias. — ..Yeui  Orleans  Bee. 


The  selections  in  the  "  Primary  Standard  Speaker"  are  well  adapted  to  their  purpose.   Such 
«  work  was  uk:^'!.  —  Kews  Lelier. 

13 


SARGENT'S  SERIES  OF  STANDARD  SPEAKERS. 
SELECTIONS  IN  POETRY, 

iat  (bvcrciscs  at  ^f|]ool  i\\\^  at   <)Diue. 


00 

or  /1^^&  19  ^     S 

Q-  //flu  ^MK.  o 


7n  on<  rolume,  12mo.,  containing  336  pages,  haJf-moroceo  binding.     Pn'cf, 

This  choice  collection  hng  been  wclcomod  by  both  toaclicrs  and  pupiln  with 
loarcely  less  cordiulity  than  the  well-known  Standard  Si-kakkr,  compiled  b^ 
tae  same  author. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

"Sarjfcnt'g  SclectionH  In  Poetry"  have  bej-n  niailo  by  i\  mnn  of  trup  fa«t<'.  ami  liim«cif  ■ 
irnuine  poet  He  h«ii  culle<l  those  piercs  from  the  entire  ninijp  of  Kncli-h  lilerntun-.  and 
atTordod  KperlmenH  from  writinRs  not  romnionly  arceftihle.  Surh  «  wlertion  may  Iw  utf^ 
with  great  profit,  both  ia  the  fumily  mid  in  the  kcIiooI.  —  CAmriun  Tima,  Chicago,  IIL 


"PHrjrcnf'ii  Sclortionfi  In  Poetry"  nre  nn  iiilmir»hle  rollertion  of  gemr  ruUed  by  an  rdlUn 
who  In  nnriviilli-O  in  tbnt  particular  line  of  literature.  It  ix  Ix-nutirully  illustrnU-<l.  ami  the 
illuxtrMtionf  ari!  wortliy  of  the  xulijtTtJi,  an  well  as  of  the  Tery  handitume  style  in  which  they 
•re  oncoM-d.  —  litJ/urd  &ntind.  Liberty,  la. 


The  editor,  with  an  obnerrnnt  and  prartiw-d  eye,  lu-pmn  to  hare  ranpol  the  wholi>  flelil  rf 
{Mirinlical  litt-ralure,  and  to  Iibto  rulled  tlirrcfroni  a  rare  mllertion  of  unfmliiii;  flower*.  Thf 
folume  In  un  exri-lti-nt  one  for  tlie  une  of  m-IiooIs,  and  no  leM  Taluatle  as  a  table  and  littraiy 
•uinpanlon. —  Umton  Trarfllrr.  

M^ny  n  scho/d  will  U-  enliKhteni-d,  and  mnny  a  fireside  enlivened  by  the  p«'rusal  {  bra* 
|ur<  and  beautiful  edusions  of  tlio  niu!<e.  —  Hume  JourmiL 


y.tfrj  piece  in  the  book  la  a  pem.     Ilrilish  and  Amerimn  colli-rtinns  of  poi^try  hare  .»»o 
nlleO  uf  their  chotoujit  iwoeta,  to  make  up  the  eontenta.  —  liotUm  Jinirtiai. 


Tlie  selection*  are  moit  Judlcloua,  choate  and  numerous,  and  the  llluatratlon*  beauUful  — 
OvUy't  Liiily'i  liiA.  

The  artists,  in  the  lllust rations  that  adorn  this  book,  hnre  f^hown  a  fine  apprerlatii  n  of  ih* 
tboUi;hts  of  the  pouts.  —  lUtttim  (.\jmmonwtalOi. 


We  U-Ii.Te  thl«  to  U-  the  Wst  foll.etioii  of  ^:ln•li^h  poetry  thol  can  be  fourd  In  any  slo^U 
roluiuf,  of  kim"v  ilxo. —  Oimbridyt  {Matt.)  ChronicU. 

14 


STANDARD   SPEAKERS. 


FLOWERS    OF    ELOCUTION, 

CONSISTING    OP 

^OEMS       ESSAYS,    TALES,     DIALOGUES,    AND     DRAMATIC     SKETCHtS. 

ARRANOED   FOR 

A    CLASS-BOOK. 

BY    MRS.    CAROLINE    LEE    HENTZ, 

AUTHOR   OP   "UNr>V,"  "P.FNA,"  THB  "planter's    NOUTUKRS    DRIDE,"  ETC. 

fit  iw«  VZmo.  volume,  comprising  322  pages,  fialf-moro'XO  binding.     Priet, 


■'Brave  yomli!  thy  worJs  urn  kindlinR  —  tbey  have  waked 
Ardors  I  diTiu^d  despair  hiid  queiicli'd  fori'Vi-rl 
I  rushed  with  de.sperHte  purpose  to  tliis  wild; 
Driven  to  the  Teri;e  of  madness  I     Thou  hast  come 
Like  a  redeeming  spirit  'mid  the  storm. 
And  brought  the  wiiiidi'rer  back  to  reason's  ROal. 
Ask  not  my  name  or  rank.     The  sounding  blnsta 
May  liear  them  far  as  their  wild  wings  extend. 
Give  me  no  name;  but  wlien  in  these  free  valeB 
IJumor  is  busy  o'er  the  stranger's  relics. 
Say  that  thou  found'st  him  prostrate  in  despair, 
And  that  thy  hand  the  fallen  pillar  raiB<?d, 
To  prop  awhile  fair  Freedom's  glorious  dome." 


The  "Flowers  of  Elocution"  Is  the  name  of  a  volume  from  the  pen  of  a  lady  too  well 
known  In   the  literary  world  to  need  further  commendation.      SuHice  it  to  say  that,  llkl 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

locution"  Is  the  name  of  a  volume  from  the  pi 
mown  in   uio  luerary  world  to  need  further  commendation.      Sullicv  .v  .^  =uj    u..,..,  ,,». 
everything  else  from  her  elegant  pen,  it  abounds  with  the  most  beautiful  gems.  —  Bedford 
ikntinel.  Liberty,  Va. 

We  need  not  say  one  word  to  prepossess  the  public  in  favor  of  this  charming  volume,  thi» 
•auskist  of  literary  and  poetic  pearls.  The  authoress  has  long  since  secure<l  a  sympiithy  in 
the  hearts  of  lioth  old  and  young,  for  the  lovely  offspring  of  her  head  and  heart.  —  Philadel- 
phia Saturdai/  Courier.  

The  "  Flowers  of  F,locution"  only  differs  from  "Sargent's  Selections"  in  Wing  entirely  the 
production  of  one  writer,  instead  of  comprising  a  .^election  from  different  authors.  With  few 
exc<-ptions.  we  find  the  pieces  in  this  book  well  suited  to  their  purpose.  — Cimttan  Tirne*, 
CViinj/o,  ;//.  

The  dramatic  scenes,  founded  on  Kevolutionary  events,  are  the  most  striking  portion  of 
the  volume,  and  appear  well  adapted  for  representation  In  private  eircles. — Designed  fori 
dnsA-book,  it  seems  to  be  every  way  suited  to  the  purpose.  —  JV.  F.  Daily  Times. 


There  is  a  purity  of  matter,  and  excellence  of  aim  In  this  book,  which  recommends  It  to 
»nr  favor.  It  is  specially  adapted  for  advanced  cla.sses  of  young  ladies,  and  furnishes  scm* 
yZeasaot,  well-sustained  dialogues. —  iV.  F.  Sun. 


Thin  vohime  bears  the  bright  impress  of  the  authoress' mind,  "is  a  fit  offering  to  Inno- 
cence and  youth,  and  deserves  the  kindest  reception  from  all  hearts  that  hold  congeniality 
with  what  is  fair,  and  lovely,  and  of  good  report,"  —  Culpepper  Weekly  ( Va.)  Observer. 


The  "  Fl<r  lers  of  Elocution"  is  the  title  of  a  pleasant  volume  of  prose  and  poetry,  8om- 
Doeed  as  a  al4^s-book.  by  the  lat«  Caroline  Lee  Uentz. — JVho  Orleant  Bee. 

u 


STANDARD   SPEAKERS. 


FROST'S   AMERICAN    SPEAKER, 

COMPRISINO   A 

COMPREHENSIVE    TREATISE    ON    ELOCUTION, 

A»D 

AN   EXTENSIVE  SELECTION  OF  SPECIMENS  OF  AMERICAN  AND  FOREIGN  ELOQUENCF 

ZKBELLISnCD  W1TU 

f*ortruits  of  DistingiaieJied  Ainorican.  Orators, 

ENQKAVED    ON    STEEL. 
BY    JOHN     FROST,     LL.D., 
AurnoB  or  the  12mo.  hiitobt  or  thx  united  btatbs. 
Jh  0N«  12nio.  volume,  containing  448  pages,  haJf-roan  binding.    Priet, 


This  work  furnishes,  within  a  small  space,  a  correct  and  satisfactory  Treatise  on 
the  rrincipk'S  of  Elocution  ;  and  a  very  rich  and  copious  collection  of  specimens  of 
I>clibcrnlivc,  Forensic,  Academic,  and  Populiir  Eloquence  fills  up  the  greater  por- 
tion of  the  viilumc.  It  has  met  with  a  very  rapid  sale,  and  the  estimation  in 
which  it  is  held  by  intclligont  teachers  has  been  attested  by  numerous  recom< 
mendatioDS. 


EXTRACT  FROU  THE  PRBFACI. 


"  Eloqueno?  Is  one  of  the  rhiuf  elements  of  politlcnl  distinction,  as  well  vi  one  of  the  most 
efflripnt  nids  in  BdvHnring  the  cause  of  moral  and  reliplous  Improvement.  How  nerewary  a 
crirm-t  and  tasteful  elocution  is  to  the  education  of  an  oraUir,  \b  obvious  on  the  i>lit!htest 
reflc-tion.  If  it  is  true  that  some  remarkable  men  have  won  their  way  to  distinction  aa 
orators,  without  lan-fully  studying  the  principles  of  elocution.  It  la  not  less  true  that  their 
way  would  have  l><>cn  smoother,  and  their  difflcultit*  fewer,  if  they  had  alTordod  tbemsclrea 
this  auxiliary ;  while,  with  the  fji'nt  mn/<s  of  aspirants  for  tbU  sort  of  eminenoe,  a  courae  of 
UutrucUoD  in  elocution  is  a  matter  of  absolute  neoeesity." 


OPINIONS    OF    EMINENT    TEACHERS. 

The  "Americnn  Ppi'iiker."  e<litcd  l.y  Mr.  Fro«t,  is,  I  think,  one  of  the  host  vnhimea  for 
pra'  ticnl  exerclsi'S  in  elocution  that  instructors  or  studi-nts  can  find.  The  numi-rous  rule* 
rn  thi'  manner  of  renilin^  the  tfrirs  —  so  termwl  hy  clocutlonisfs— may  ho  differently  viewed 
by  Instructors,  acmrdinu  to  the  extent  to  which  they  fiMlow  Walker's  authority.  Hut  thora 
ran  l>o  no  dlrcrsity  of  opinion  as  to  the  utility  of  the  other  parts  of  the  work,  and,  particn. 
larly,  the  many  pieces  In  which  the  iDllectlons  of  the  voice  are  mnrke<l  throughout  by  ap- 
proprialfl  acccntf.  —  WiUiam  lituseU,  Teacher  of  EUxution,  and  Jiril  EdUcr  of  tht  Journal  <if 
Ulucation. 


I  ooDsldor  "Frost's  Ameriean  Spmker"  to  be  the  beat  compilation  of  the  kind  that  hu 
ever  mot  my  eye.  The  principles  of  elocution  therein  laid  down  are  excellent,  and  well  o.l- 
culnteij  to  promote  el(v|uenoo  In  every  youthful  American  freeman.  The  extracts  are  of  a 
hiKh  order,  and,  in  general,  breathe  the  spirit  jf  liberty  and  indej^ndenco  —William 
Alexander. 

IB 


STAND/iPiD  SCHOOL  HISTORIES, 

PUlil.ISHKO     BY     CHARLKS     DKSII.VER. 

714  CHESTNUT  STKEKT,  I'lIILADELI'IIIA. 


L(mD'S  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


\  NEW  HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 

I'^or  thpi  Use  of  ScIk^oIs. 

BY    JOHN    LORD,    A.M., 

tVTBCS  OF   A   MODERN  HISTORY  FROM  THE  TIME  OP  LUTHKR  TO  TUE  FALL  OF  NAFOLBCa. 

OnetoUir'f  V.')"'i    Mi'i.pnges,  half-morocco  binding.    Price, 


This  work,  written  in  tlic  attractive  M\ie  i^t  Him-n  uic  author  is  so  noteo,  il 
*iiMiir;il>l}'  calculated  to  produce  a  love  fi>r  the  study  in  the  minds  of  those  pupili 
"cno  u.se  it.  It  is  bcautilully  illu.<tratcd  with  numerous  line  Engrivring?,  and  con- 
tiiinii  an  excellent  colored  .Ma))  of  the  United  States,  beside  several  maps  showiaf 
tLo  ronitiop  of  various  oaltle  liclds  and  places  uuled  iu  our  LLdtory. 

17 


Lord's  History  of  the  United  States. 

»  »■  ^  . »  » 


OPINIONS    OF    TEACHERS    AND    OF    THE    PRESS. 

I  liavc  carefully  examined  "  Lord's  Ilistorj-  of  llie  Cuited  States."  and  am  free  to  pay  that, 
for  the  use  of  schools,  I  consider  It  the  best  history  with  wliiih  I  urn  aoiuaintcU.  —  Jama 
RluxuU,  rtofessor  of  JiMes  LcUres,  Ventral  Uigh  ScIkmI,  J'hUaUdphia 


I  consider  "  Ix>rd's  IFistory  of  the  rnlted  Pfntcs"  far  superior  to  any  work  of  the  kind  yet 
published,  as  he  seems  to  strike  n  uiedium  between  the  extremes  of  dry  skeleton  and  dilTus» 
composition.    It  is  just  tlie  thin;:  iiee<led  for  scliools.  — ./.  J.  Havener,  Allendale,  S.  C. 


To  be  brief,  but  not  uninteresting,  entertnininu  but  impartial,  is  n  rare  ijifl  in  n  historian; 
mill  this  si-)iool  Iiistory.  excellent  for  its  deelnrrd  purpoce.  is  well  wortli  a  place  in  the  family 
library  us  well  ufl  in  the  sch(X>l-room.  —  Philadelphia  Nurth  American. 

A»  far  as  I  nm  :(blf  to  judRe,  "  Lord's  Iiistory  of  the  United  States"  Is  a  most  efRiient  *c1iool 
book,  and  slmuld  be  in  the  bands  of  all  the  youth  wlio  have  had  a  sufDeient  trainiu);  in  ea^iiei 
re:idin(j  les.sons.  —  //.  Freeman,  Mount  Ephraim,  Ohio. 


We  sliall  lie  mistaken  if  fiiis  work  is  not  at  onc«  hniled  with  acclanintinn  as  liy  far  the  be»t 
»rbocd  histoiy  in  the  I'niteU  States  yet  published.  It  should  at  once  hv  introduced  iiitc  jur 
I'liblie  Schools. —  Philadelphia  City  Item. 


The  fai-ts  piven  in  "I-onl's  Iiistory  of  the  United  State.s"  are  well  chosen,  and  pet  forth  In  k 
manner  well  calculated  t*)  fix  them  in  the  memory  of  the  learner. —  Phila.  JCvenimj  JinlMin. 


It  is  not  only  an  excellent  .">chool  Iiistory,  but  an  excellent  peneral  Idstory,  that  n.ay  b« 
perused  with  profit  by  readers  of  all  ages  aud  acriuireinuDts.  -  A'ew  York  Evening  Mirror. 

U 


LORD'S   MODERN    HISTORY. 
A    HISTORY    OF    MODERN    EUROPE. 

FROU    TUB    TIME    OF    LIITIII;!'.    TO    TUK    FALL    OF    NAl'OLEON. 

FOR  THE  USE  OF  SCHOOLS  AND  COLLEGES. 
BY    JOHN    LORD,    A.M., 

UCTCRER  ON    HISTORY,  AND   AUTUOR   OF   A   NliW   HISTORT   OP   TUE   UNITED  STAnt. 

One  volume,  12mo.,  544  pages,  half-morocco  binding.    Priotf 


OPINIONS    OF    EMINENT    EDUCATIONISTS. 

The  narrative  is  clear,  the  stylo  is  animated  and  perspicuous,  the  estimate  of  the  charRCMM 
tod  motives  of  the  prominent  actors  is  discriminating  and  judicious,  and,  above  all,  lher»  u 
fcn  enlarged  and  generous  spirit  running  through  the  whole,  which  produces  the  conviction 
thiit  the  author  everywhere  aims  at  truth,  impartiality,  and  strict  justice.  —  Jared  Sparkt, 
President  of  Harvard  0/llege. 

I  am  satisfied  that  "Lord's  History"  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  books  which  h.is  been 
Issued  from  the  press  in  this  country  or  in  England.  It  unites  the  qualities  of  brevity  and 
clearness,  with  a  power  to  interest  which  is  rarely  found  in  works  of  this  class.  —  liev,  Dr 
T\ippan,  formerly  Professor  of  History  and  Philosophy  in  the  University  of  Neai  York. 


I  s:ar-;cly  know  any  work  on  history  as  interesting,  or  better  calculated  to  Knswcr  a  most 
rnluable  purjiose  in  the  cause  of  education  ;  besides  being  especially  useful  as  a  text  hcMik,  ii 
may  be  read  to  advanta'^e  by  almost  any  person  in  any  walk  of  life.  —  Prof.  II.  VTeitfur,  i* .i» 
tipal  of  the  JV'U)  I'urk  Free  Academy. 


"  Lord's  Modern  History"  is  a  living  book,  and  presents  the  great  events  of  an  age  In  aa 
•ttractive  manner.  Its  style  is  iH'autifuUy  simple  and  graphic.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  ooa- 
dct.8ati0D  aud  clearness.  —  Professor  JCesi,  Principal  of  Putyer't  Iiistitute,  New  York. 


I  have  carefully  examined  "Lord's  History  of  Modern  Europe,"  and  am  fre«  to  say  that, 
tor  the  use  of  schools,  I  consider  it  the  best  history  with  which  I  am  actxnainted. — Jivia 
Hhoads,  Profeiior  of  Belles  Letires,  Central  High  Scliool,  Philadelphia. 

19 


liord's  Modern  History. 


OPINIONS    OF    EDUCATIONISTS,     ETC. 

I  liiive  cxaiiiiiicJ  "  Lord's  Motlorn  History"  with  catisfiu-tion  and  interest,  and  most  rbeo 
fully  cfinicieuil  it  to  faTorabic  attention,  hoping  that  it  may  secure  the  %-ery  lilx.'ral  patnin 
•ge  which  it  certainly  ueserveii.  —  M.  L.  Stoever,  Pro/tssor  of  UUlury  in  I'ennsylcania  (\AUfft 
Gtli.ysbuig,  I'enmijlvania. 


I  have  suflBciently  examined  "  Lord's  Modern  History"  to  l)c  satisfied  that  he  has  made  i 
'  aluuble  contribution  to  tliis  important  branch  of  the  literature  of  our  country,     for  thi 
eriod  embraced  in  it,  I  should  ^\\o  it  the  preference  to  any  other  book  iu  the  same  depart. 
Kent.  —  i>tcplitn  Taylor,  liiclimoiui,  Va. 


Lord's  Modern  History"  marks  the  extraordinary  events  of  the  period  on  Thich  it  treat* 
nith  precision,  and  iis  much  candor  as  is  usually  the  case  wiih  authors  who  have  favored 
the  world  with  works  treating  of  the  wonders  which  have  transpired,  and  of  the  (rood  whicb 
has  been  done  by  paper  and  type,  genius  and  gunpowder.  —  l^nnsylvanian,  PUiladdphia. 


the  author  of  the  "  Modern  History"  has  handli-d  his  subjects  with  Rreat  ability.  Hii 
Btyle  is  nervous  and  graphic,  and  often  strikingly  eloquent;  and  the  work  will  prove  to  l)c  an 
interesting  reading-took  for  schools,  besides  forming  an  interesting  text-book  for  the  student 
of  history.  —  W'ashiuijton  Union. 

All  know  what  important  events  have  occurred  in  the  world's  history  since  the  time  of 
Luther.  Mr.  Lord  narrates  them  in  a  clear,  concise,  and  vi^rorou.i  manner,  treating  each 
subject  in  the  true  philosophical  spirit  which  should  always  animate  the  historian.  —  J'liiia 
dilphia  Eeeniiiy  liulUUn. 

"Turd's  Mo<lern  History"  abounds  in  animated  and  interesting  sketches  of  character,  hrlrC 
yet  judicious  criticism!!,  upon  artisti  and  men  of  letters,  ami  well-timtNl  reflections  upon  tho 
dilTercnt  reforms  and  agitations  whicb  have  ruvolutiouizud  society.  —  Boston  Evening  Tran»- 
tcript. 

"  Ixird's  Modern  History"  may  well  be  adopted  in  our  schools  as  a  text-book,  ami  woulo 
b«.-complish  a  most  happy  result  in  inviting  its  students  to  something  of  the  ze.il  for  hiftort 
tuX  studies  and  acquirements  which  characterizes  its  author. —  (Mumbia  (&  C.)  TeUgrupk, 


As  a  compendious  history  of  the  times  from  "Luther  to  the  Fall  of  Napoleon''  we  regart 
"  Lord's  Modern  History"  iisan  excellent  text-boi>k  for  ."chools  and  colleges,  and  also  as  worthy 
the  attention  of  the  general  rojuler.  —  RicUmoud  ( I'd.)  Christian  AtlvoiMtc. 


.Mr.  Ty>rl  does  not  sp.crifice  truth  to  effect,  nor  sinipliiity  to  ornament,  b.«  is  the  nio<l<<rn 
fashion  of  romanl•in^r  history ;  but  gleans  from  the  apparent  rhnos  of  dates  and  names,  soma 
gri.at  truths,  as  the  living  pictures  of  the  way  of  life.  —  JiuUand  Ch.  ( IV.)  I/eruld, 


The  style  of  "  Lord's  Mo<1ern  History"  is  clear  and  vigorous,  and  the  arrangement  throu^'b 
Olut  judicious.     The  work  is  indeed  one  of  a  very  high  character,  and  furnishes,  wilhin  .■ou> 
fkiralively  brief  limits,  an  immensu  mass  of  valuable  information.  —  Vliilud.  Jtu/uirfr. 


Mr.  Lonl  has  cfimpihtl  this  liook  with  considerable  jud'.:ment.  passing  over  long  wasti-*  of 
liirapnrnlively  unimportant  history,  and  commenting  w  ith  force  upon  points  oracknowli\lt;od 
nt«rcst.  —  JiicJimond  (\'a.)  Daily  Wfiig. 


"  Lord's  Mn<lern  History"  may  lie  read  with  advantage  a«  n  manual  of  instrnctinn  for  tht 
founK,  or  he  cuusultvd  by  moro  mature  readers  as  an  authentic  book  of  refereucv.  —  JVms 
T«rk  TrU-utu 

20 


Lord's  Modern  History. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE     PRESS. 

The  field  explored  by  Mr.  Lord  embraces  the  most  important  portion  of  English  histoiy, 
•rith  which,  liowever,  it  is  fomewliat  remarkable,  that  youni;  people,  generally,  are  but  liltl* 
acquainted.  The  style,  too.  has  its  charms.  Mr.  Lord  writes  with  grace,  aud  with  the  ease 
of  one  who  is  perlecUy  familiar  with  his  subject,  and  the  reader  feels  coulidence  in  the 
authur's  statcmculs  and  oj/inious.  AVe  know  uo  volume  which  we  should  so  heartily  com- 
mend to  youiij;  people,  either  for  domestic  reading,  or  for  use  in  the  bighvr  classes  in  collegl' 
at«  aud  academic  institutions.  —  iV'tio  lurk  Commerciul  Advertiser. 


The  narrative  and  descriptive  portions  of  "  Lord's  Modern  flistory"  are  grapliic,  and  th« 
occasional  portraitures  are  lifc-iikc  and  correct.  There  is  Ies.s  imagination  than  iu  Abbott, 
but  far  more  comprehen.''ion  and  correctness;  less  of  the  picturesque  than  in  Macauley,  leas 
pr.wer  of  arresting  and  enchaining  all  the  faculties  of  the  mind;  while,  at  the  same  time,  for 
practical  scientitic  purposes,  for  actual  study,  as  a  text-book  aud  guide  in  our  higher  scLoola, 
we  should  give  it  the  prefereuco  —  t'ongregaliunalist. 


The  same  kind  of  attraction  that  characterizes  Mr.  Lord's  lectures,  making  them  so  uni- 
versally popular,  l)oth  with  the  masses  and  with  the  learned,  pervades  his  '•  Modern  History." 
He  states  his  own  opinions  with  great  independence  and  candor,  and  appends  his  authori- 
ties an<l  references  to  each  chapter  —  a  great  help  to  those  who  may  desire  more  minute  ia- 
formalion.  —  liratlUhoro  {Vt.)  Euyle. 


The  task  of  the  historian  has  been  accomplished  with  singular  fidelity.  The  plan  of  the 
work  is  simple,  aud  has  been  well  filled  up;  and  the  style  is  not  only  lucid  and  vigorous,  but 
hajipily  adapted  to  tiie  highly  dramatic  character  of  the  events  he  unfolds.  To  the  reader  or 
Ftudent,  as  a  source  of  iuformalion,  or  as  a  book  of  reference,  it  is  invaluable.  —  Ohio  iklwd 
Friend,  CiiwiniuUi. 

The  author  of  this  bonk  is  well  known  by  his  popular  lectures  upon  History,  delivered  in 
the  United  States  and  in  (Jreat  Hritain,  and  though,  in  the  volume  before  us,  he  makes  no 
pretensions  to  original  and  ]irofound  investigations,  yet,  in  the  arrangement^  style,  aud 
Benlimeut,  it  is  entirely  his  own.  —  Cungre.  Journal,  Concord,  iV".  II. 


Mr.  Lord  combines,  in  an  uncommon  degree,  brilliancy  with  accuracy,  vivid  dramatic  r^ 
presentation  with  profound  philosophic  analysis  and  generalization.  He  aims,  very  success- 
fully we  think,  at  that  high  historic  virtue,  impartiality;  and  the  tone  of  his  opinions  ir 
decidedly,  though  not  excessively,  conservative.  —  A'ew  I'ork  I^-esbyterian. 


We  have  not  before  been  acquainted  with  Mr.  Lord  as  a  writer;  but  this  book,  we  think, 
VI  ill  perfectly  sustain  his  high  reputation  won  in  the  desk.  His  style  is  plea.sant  and  per- 
spicuous, while  terse  and  compact,  aud  he  is  eminently  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  his  sul> 
jects,  as  well  as  iu  the  grouping  of  his  characters.  —  New  Turk  Home  JountaL 


"  Lord's  Modern  History"  is  especially  adapted  to  supply  the  exigencies  of  students  of  hl» 
tory,  while  to  readers  of  maturer  years,  who  lack  time  for  more  extended  treatises,  it  sup- 
plies n  lucid  aud  connected  sketch  of  the  great  events  that  have  transpired  since  the  Protest- 
ant  Reformation.  —  JS'ew  York  JounuU  of  Gjinmerce. 


The  author  of"  Lord's  Jlodtrn  IHstory"  has  been  well  known  as  a  public  lecturer  on  hto- 
tory,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Kurope,  and  in  that  capacity  has  received  very  favorable 
testimonials  from  the  most  compcteut  judges.  —  Daily  Teltynqi/i,  Chlumbia,  S.  C 


AVe  commend  "  Lord's  Modern  History"  both  to  the  general  rcidcr,  and  to  those  who  select 
and  examine  books  for  our  higher  seminaries  of  learning.  —  Philadelphia  ChrUiian  Observer 

21 


Lord's   Modern   History. 
»  »  » 

OPINIONS    OF    THE     PRESS. 

Wr.  l>ord  has  furnished  in  a  somewhat  mtxItTate  conipa.«s.  for  the  use  of  students  and  young 
persons  generally,  a  substitute  for  those  wretihed,  lifeless  skeletons,  with  wliich  iiublishera 
and  paid  hook-makers  are  fli'OiIitiK  us,  under  the  name  of  ahrid^•ment3.  tr  histories  f<ir  tlie 
use  of  schools.  The  most  conspieuous  characteristic  of  Mr.  Lord,  as  a  historian,  is  entliusi>i~ia 
In  his  favorite  subject;  and,  like  all  ):eiiuiue  eulhusiasm,  il  imparts  it*elf  to  his  readtr  — 
JJMical  liepos^ilory  and  I'tinceton  Jievicw. 


To  condense  the  great  and  Taried  subjects  extending  over  the  exciting  period  of  the  ]aA 
three  hundred  years,  so  as  to  furnish  a  connected  narrative  of  all  that  is  most  interesting 
•nd  vital  in  its  history,  has  been  the  object  of  this  work.  This  lias  been  so  successfully 
Boiomplished  that  the  three  centuries  of  which  it  treats  are  clearly  and  distinctly  brought 
before  the  mind  of  the  student  and  general  reader.  —  Banner  and  Advocate,  PiUiburg,  I'a. 

It  Is  rather  late  in  the  day  to  produce  a  •'  Modern  History"  which  can  lay  claim  to  much 
of  oriu'inalitj'  or  research,  but  Mr.  I^ord'.s  aim  is  not  to  compete  on  these  grounds  with  hia 
predecessors  on  the  same  field,  but  to  simplify  and  concentrate,  according  to  his  own  system 
of  arrangement,  the  facts  and  data  whicli  go  to  make  up  the  sum  and  substance  of  the  many 
histories  already  before  the  world.  —  Ktw  York  Literary  ^Yurld. 


"  Lord's  ^lodern  History"  is  a  volume  of  very  attractive  appearance,  prepared  by  a  well-road 
and  warm-hearted  man.  full  of  his  subject,  full  of  matter,  and  full  of  scholar-like  enthusiasm. 
Tlioujjh  professedly  written  "for  the  use  of  schools  and  colleges,"  it  is  ailniirably  fittetl  for  the 
Instruction  of  that  best  of  all  schools  —  the  domestic  circle.  —  Boston  Puritan  and  litcorUer. 


It  would  be  difficult  to  imairine  how  a  volume  like  the  pre.«ent  could  be  used  as  a  class-book 
in  n  public  institution  without  imparting  benefit,"!  rarely  experienced  in  kindred  stuclie.4. 
Indeed  we  know  no  other  compend  covering  the  same  ground  equal  to  it;  ami  it  will  be  found 
as  interesting  and  instructive  iu  the  family  as  in  schools.  —  Newark  {X.J.)  Advertiser. 

}i\t.  Lord  has  woven  into  his  work  all  the  leading  features  and  events  of  the  last  three  coo. 
turies,  and  clolheil  the  whole  in  his  own  happy  and  agreeable  style  of  thought.  He  merits 
the  scholar's  fh;inks  for  .«o  instructive  a  book,  and  we  hope  it  may  meet  with  an  extensive 
circulation.  —  I\'ew  i'ork  Protestant  Churchman. 


The  book  is  well  and  boldly  written:  great  thought.s  worthily  clothe  great  facts;  and  the 
latter  aptly  suggest  the  former.  The  style  of  tlie  work  is  a  model  of  historical  writing.  The 
chronological  tables  and  questions  are  full,  u.seful,  and  good.  —  English  Journal  n/  JCducation. 

In  this  excellent  History  the  author  has  given  a  connected  narrative  of  the  most  vital 
events  of  tin-  last  three  hundred  yeans,  avoiding  all  those  minute  iletails,  and  elaborate  dis- 
quisitions, which  are  calculated  to  embarras-s  young  students.  —  Kducatioiuil  Kxposilor. 

"  I/ord's  Modem  History"  should  l*  possesseil  by  every  one  who  has  not  the  leisure  to  rend 
extensive  works,  but  who  desires  to  l>e  informe<l  regarding  all  the  notable  events  w  hich  have 
transpired  since  the  Ueformation. —  ^y'estmins^lr  Ilrrald,  M'iliningtfm,  Del. 


"  IfOrd's  History"  rontnins  n  vast  amount  of  vnluable  information  on  subjects  of  which  no 
One  should  he  ignorant.  It  belniys  no  spirit  of  political  prejmlice  or  religious  bigotry:  and 
Its  general  c^irreclness  cannot  bo  impeached.  —  fyiuthern  Christian  Advocate,  Charleston,  .S".  C 


The  host  recommendation  which  can  Jw  given  to  "laird's  IHstory"  is  that  it  recoimlies  • 
fiod  in  history,  and  assisrns  Him  His  proper  agency  in  the  government  of  this  world.— 
Clirittian  Secritary,  Jfart/ord,  CX. 

Such  a. hook  n«  this  has  been  long  wanti><l  for  schools,  and  here  we  find  the  essential  Tict* 
Well  and  correctly  sot  forth  in  n  small  volume.  —  Church  of  Knyhnut  Quartrrly  llrrirw. 


The  sketches  of  character  presont«I  in  "T/onl's  Modem  History"  are  excellent  portraits 
and  drawn  with  a  fri'C,  boM  touch.—  I.imdnn  Athenirum. 

The  divisions  of  "Lord'd  Modura  Uiiitory"  are  brood  and  distlu'itive,  and  the  style  clear  — 
London  Spectalvr, 

33 


FROST'S   SCHOOL  HISTORIES, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

FUOM  TilE  DISCOVKRY  OF  AMKIUCA  BY  COLU.MUUS  TO  THE  PUESENT  TIME. 

For  tlie  lJ.se  of  Schools  and  Acadoiniea. 

BY  JOHN  FHOST,  LL.  D. 

ILLUSTRATED  WITH   FORTY   ENGRAVINGS. 
In  one  volume,  VZmo.,  containing  479  pages,  half-roan  binding.    Price, 


mkM 


The  (Ii'sign  of  the  author  in  this,  his  larger  liistory,  has  been  to  furnish  a  text- 
hook  sufficiently  full  and  complete  fur  the  use  of  colle^^es,  acailcmics,  and  the  higher 
pcminaries.  It  begins  with  the  discovery  of  the  New  World,  and  presenting  the 
rieries  of  events  in  a  clear  and  connected  narrative,  rejecting  whatever  was  con- 
sidered irrelevant  or  unimportant,  and  dwelling  chiefly  on  those  striking  features 
•jf  the  subject  which  give  it  vividness  and  character;  the  history  is  brought  down 
to  the  present  day.  The  numerous  testimonials  to  the  merit  of  this  work,  and  its 
popularity,  evinced  quite  unequivocally  by  the  sale  often  thousand  copies  within  u 
few  months  after  its  first  publication,  afford  a  strong  jiresumption  that  the  author 
ias  succeeded  in  his  jiurpuse  of  making  if  a  first-rate  school  history. 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  PREFACE. 

'■Althoii>;h  thp  ronsMcrablo  pcricul  cmliraccd,  the  multitude  of  characters  and  events 
(1;-!inc:itc(l,  ami  the  extent  of  tlie  fii'M  in  wliiili  they  fijiurn.  have  rendered  the  preservation 
of  historiral  unity  no  easy  task,  the  nutlKir  has  labored  to  give  the  work  such  a  dcjiree  of 
ciimpactni'ss  as  would  enable  the  sluilent  to  percoive  the  relation  of  all  its  parts,  and  to 
prasp  the  whole  without  any  very  difiioult  exercise  of  comprehension." 

23 


FROST'S   SCHOOL  HISTORIES 


HISTORY  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

Kor  tlie  ITse  oT  Coininon.  Sclioolc;. 

BY  JOHN  FROST,  LL.  D. 

CONOENSKD   FKOM  TiiE  AUTllOll'S  LARUf  UIsroKY  OF  XIIK  UNITKD  STATES, 


BKOXTOHT  DOWN  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 

ILLUSTRATEO  WITH   FORTY   ENGRAVINGS  ON   WOOD. 

On*  vohimt,  \8mo.,  ccntuir.ing  375  page*,  neat  lialf-roan  binding.    Price,       cenit. 


Thia  smaller  history  is  abridged  very  judiciously  from  the  larger  one,  and  can  Im 
recommciukd  confidently  to  general  use.  Many  interesting  and  important  factl 
relative  to  American  afTair.",  omitted  in  other  works  of  the  kind,  are  herein  .-ikilfiilly 
introduced.  The  sim|)licily  of  the  style  cannot  fail  to  jdease  every  attentive  reader. 
The  appendi.i,  containing  the  Con.«titntion  of  our  country,  as  also  a  useful  Chrono- 
logical Table,  will  render  the  work  douhly  valnnhle. 

These  invaluuhle  Histories  are  e.Nten.-^ively  used  in  the  schools  of  Philadelphi*, 
New  York,  Biiltimorc,  Pittshurg,  Cincinnati,  St.  Louis,  New  Orleans,  and  are  daily 
being  introduced  into  all  the  best  schools  throughout  the  Union. 


OPINICNS    OF    TEACHERS. 


Iht  stylo  is  clear,  concisi',  nml  spiritiMl;  free,  on  tin-  ntii'  liaml.  fri>ni  the  nmliilinn."  nnil  rh» 
toriral  rlmructtT,  and  on  the  otlipr,  from  tlie  ni'plijronci'  Hiid  iimrcuriiry  into  which  nio«t  of 
cur  i>r)|iulnr  cnmpendH  linVH  fallen.  Af  a  llistnry  of  the  United  Stales,  it  is,  in  my  o)iiiiion 
oiori)  full  iiiid  nmre  exiut  than  any  of  the  same  size,  niul  in  all  otlier  resperts  prefcrahle,  as  ■ 
b<x>k  Inlviiilrd  to  ai<l  tin-  hiifiiien."!  of  iutitruction.  —  yViUiam  liusicll,  Eiiitur  of  Uu  Amtiicam 
Journal './  J-Alucatwn,  First  Hxrics. 


I  cheerfully  recommend  "  Frost's  History  of  the  United  States"  to  the  attention  of  tenrhem, 
M  a  very  sujierlur  work.  In  style,  a  most  important  point  in  works  of  this  rliaracter.  it  Is 
de<-ide<lly  superior  to  some  of  the  most  popular  lilstorioal  conipends  now  used  in  our  school* 
»Dd  Bcudemies.  —  J{.  (.\)nnoUy,  Teacher,  Jialtimare. 


T  am  so  much  pleaded  with  tlic  elepance  of  laiipiiape,  ncnt  nrrnnpement,  copious  quc.•tirln^ 
•nil  etyle  of  KcttinK  up,  exhihitcd  in  "  Frosi's  History  of  the  United  Slates."  that  I  stmll  at 
0D'»  introduce  it  into  my  sthool,  uud  use  my  iuUueDcv  to  givo  it  ii  wide  circuliitlun. — 
jr.  B  Hamry,  TeacJicr,  liuUimore. 

34 


PINNOCK'S  HISTOPiICAL  SERIES. 
HISTORY  OF  ENGLAND. 

Pinnock's  Improved  Edition  of  Dr.  Goldsmith's  History  of  England, 

FROM  THE   INVASION   OP  JULIUS   C^SAR 

TO    THE  DEATH   OF   GEORGE    THE    SECOND; 

WITH   A   CONTINUATION   TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME, 

AND 

QUESTIONS   FOR   EXAMINATION   AT  THE    END   OF  EACH   SECTION| 

BESIDES    A  VARIBTY    OF    VAI.UABLR    INFOUMATION    ADDED    TUROUGIIOIJT 
THE    WOUK,    C0:«SI8T1NG    OP 

Tables  of  Contemporary  Sovereigns  and  Eminent  Persons,  copious   Rxplanatory  Notes, 

Eemarks  on  the  Politics,  Manners,  and  Literature  of  the  Age, 

and  an  Outline  of  the  British  Constitution. 

By  W.  C.  TAYLOR,  LL.  D.,  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin, 

AUTBOR  OP   A   "MANUAL   OF   ANCIENT   AND   MODERN   HISTORY,"   ETC.,  EXa 

Kllustratcti  toitl)  numtrous  HiiswbfnSR- 

A    NEW    AND    UKVISED    EDITION. 
In  one  vol.  12mo.,  012  pajes.  half-roan  binding     Price 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  PREFACE. 

"Amotipc  all  the  historii's  of  Engl.ind  wliirh  have  be<'n  written,  non«  has  been  so  long  and 
«o  deservedly  popular  a.=  that  of  Dr.  Goldsmith.  Whether  this  be  owing  to  its  attractive  and 
perfectly  intelligiWo  style,  or  to  the  vivlj  Impression  which  his  simple  and  clear  narrative  of 
the  facts  never  fails  to  leave,  it  is  not  now  Impiirtant  to  inquire.  The  fact  of  its  establishud 
clas.*ical  character  is  .sufficient  to  justify  the  publisher  in  selecting  the  most  improved  editioa 
of  this  work,  to  be  revised  aud  adapted  to  the  use  of  schools  in  our  own  country." 

25 


riNNOCK'S  IIISTOKICAL  SERIES. 

»  ♦ — » 

HISTORY  OF  FRANCE  AND  NORMANDY 

TROM  THE  EARLIEST  TIMES  TO  THE  TKESENT  PERIOD; 

TOGETllKB   WITII 

QUESTIONS  FOR  EXAMINATION  AT  THE  END  OF  EACH  SECTION. 

liY  W.  C.  TAYLOR,  LL.  D.,  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin, 

ADTQOK  OP  A  "  MANUAL  OP  ANCIENT,  MODERN   niSTORT,"  ETC.,  ETC.,   AND  EDITOR  OF 
"PINKOCK'8  IMPKOVED  EDITIONS  OP  GREECE,  ROME,  AND   ENGLAND." 

Xllusttatrt)  iui'tl)  numrrou.5  IZiiQvabfnfl.v. 

A   NEW    AND    REVISED    EDITION. 

One  vol.  litno.,  500  pages,  half-roan  binding.    Price 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  PREFACE. 

"Franc*  not  only  prci'pnt.'i  to  tlic  Amorican  n  most  prffilaMr  ftmly  in  its  history,  bat  it 
BdTancen  a  Ptrong  riaira  to  llio  pynipiitliy  of  our  own  Imppy  country.  To  her  wc  arc  in  a 
great  measure  Indebted  for  the  FuocfWiful  awortion  of  our  own  claim  to  national  Imlrpcn- 
dcnoe.  To  her  we  are  Indebted  f.r  the  Ijifnyftles,  the  Uwhumlx-au.",  the  Armand.x,  the  D* 
Om.'Oipii.  and  the  D'KHtiiinKS  of  the  KnTolution;  and  to  her  great  Napoleon  we  owe  the  ea»]r 
ar<|ui-itic>n  of  a  most  important  portion  of  our  national  territory. 

"  In  thin  history,  written  by  the  arc omplishol  Dr.  Taylor,  the  eventi"  ore  narrated  clearly  and 
forcibly;  and  Justice  l.i  done  to  the  great  cbaructiTH  who  havo  flgureil  on  that  grand  thenlr* 
of  human  offalrd.  The  rjuentions  for  exiimination  of  pupild,  and  niottned  at  the  h«'ail.<  of  cha|>- 
tcrs,  are  the  same  an  in  the  KnglJHh  eilition.  The  Anierlnin  ixlitor  ha*  made  pome  few  addi- 
tiouH  to  the  U'Xt,  Including  the  limt  cliapter,  which  tprings  the  history  di>wn  to  the  present 
time,  lie  haii  also  inserted  the  nuiiieroun  hisloricnl  eniN-llishmenUi,  connlminu  of  portrait*, 
(y.^tuniid,  historical  pictureH  of  battlex  and  sieged,  and  vlewK  of  important  placed.  In  editing 
the  work,  he  had  endeavoreil  to  coiif..rm  to  the  lutive  spirit  of  improTumenl  in  book*  for  th« 
ttlucatiou  of  youtb,  which  It  to  inoikud  a  feature  of  the  presoul  age.'' 

'  20 


PINNOCK'S  HISTORICAL  SERIES. 


HISTORY    OF   ROME. 


PINNOCK'S    IMPROVED    EDITION 

OP 

DR.  GOLDSMITH'S  HISTORY  OF   ROME; 

TO   WHICH   IS   PREFIXED 

AN  INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  STUDY  OF  ROMAN  HISTORY, 

A  QREAT  VAUIKTY  OF  INFORMATION  IS  GIVEN  THROUGHOUT  THE  WORK, 
CON'CERNINa   THE 

MANNERS,    INSTITUTIONS,    AND    ANTIQUITIES   OF   THE    ROMANSk 

TOGETHER   WITE 
QUESTIONS  FOB  EXAMINATION  AT  THE  END  OF  EACH  SECTION. 

BY    W.  C.  TAYLOR,    LL.  D. 
fillusttatctJ  toitl)  numerous  Huflrabtnss, 

BY    ATUERTON    AND    OTHERS. 

A    New    and    Revised.    Edition. 

One  vdume,  12mo.,  399  pages,  half-roan  bitiding.    Price, 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  PREFACE. 

"Thp  TPsenT-hrs  of  Niehuhr  and  SPTPr.-il  other  distinsuishod  Ocrmnn  Minlars  linve  thrown 
a  new  li_'ht  on  Uotnan  History,  nnd  enabled  us  to  discover  the  true  ennslitulior.  of  that  re- 
pul.lic  which  once  ruled  the  destinies  of  the  known  world,  nnd  the  influence  of  whose  litera- 
ture  and  laws  is  still  powerful  in  every  civilized  state,  and  will  prohahly  continue  to  he  felt 
tc  the  remotest  posterity.  These  discoveries  have,  however,  been  hitherto  useless  to  junior 
ftud.-nts  in  this  country;  the  works  of  the  German  critics  being  unsuited  to  the  purposes  of 
schools,  not  only  from  their  price,  hut  also  from  the  extensive  learnini,'  requisite  to  follow 
them  throujrh  their  laborious  disquisitions.  The  editor  has.  therefore,  thouRht  that  it  would 
be  no  unaccT-ptable  service  to  prefi.t  a  few  Introductory  Chapters,  detailinir  such  results  from 
their  inquiries  .-xs  best  elucidate  the  character  and  condition  of  the  Roman  people,  and  explain 
the  most  important  .ortion  of  the  history." 

27 


PDi^'OCK'S  HISTORICAL  SERIES. 


HISTORY   OF    GREECE. 


PINNOCK'S    IMTIIOVKD    KDITION 

Of 

DR.  GOLDSMITH'S   HISTORY   OF   GREECE; 

REVIfKD    CORRECTED,  AM)  OKEATLY   ENLAIUiEI), 

OT   TUB   AIiDlTlON  OF 

Sevei'al    Xow    Chaptern,    numerous    Useful    fsotes, 

AXD 

QUESTIONS  FOR  EXAMINATION  AT  THE  END  OF  EACH  SECTION. 

]{  Y    W.  C.  TAYLOR,  L  L.  I). 

ILLUSTRATED    WITH    NUMEROUS    ENGBAVINOg, 

BY    ATllKUTO.N    AND    OTHERS. 
Oru  vU.  1  'Imo.,  3C5  pagtt,  half-roan  binding.     /Vi« 


EXTRACT    FROM     THE     PREFACE. 

"The  «ltfr«(i<'n«  tlmt  Imvn  Xn-vn  mail*  In  thin  npw  «Illlon  of  the  Orwian  hUtorr  Br»  K 
Domrmun  and  rxtriiiilTp  k»  almniit  to  make  It  ■  now  work.  Tlieorl({lnal  hUtory  of  Dr.  t)cl<l> 
•mlth  mntainn  ninny  aner<li>tr«  of  <|iifi>tionnblp  nutliority,  an<l  Tory  doubtful  intrrmt,  derived 
(Voiu  I'lutarrh  and  Curtiun;  wliili-  nicXi  Important  maltor."  a*  tlin  Dorian  nil|.'ratlon  ai.d  Iba 
•edition  of  Coylon  are  wlmlly  oniltt«*l.  Tlir  compiler  of  the  abrid):mpn'.,  folloninif  the  Mmi" 
Irark,  hurried  oTpf  Fomr  of  tlie  moat  InipcTlnnt  pj-rlixlii  with  brirf  and  wanly  n<.tlrt>.  wlillr 
ho  aiwlffni'd  very  dl'propnrlionatc  lenctli  to  a  frw  Isolated  InrMenla.  The  prriwnt  editor  ha* 
enilraror.Mj  to  remedy  Urth  ctIIp,  by  abrid|;lni{  whatever  appeared  tK)  dllTuM',  pxpandlnK  tho*^ 
part*  whirli  wore  ao  brief  an  to  In  xram-ly  intelll^-lhle,  and  iiupplylni;  the  numen>uii  omla*lont 
of  the  original  work.  The  authorltlea  to  which  he  haa  principally  had  recourne  are  the  lit*. 
tortea  of  (illliea  and  Mitford  In  the  earlier  part  of  the  work,  and  I>-land  and  Ua/it  fur  lh« 
prrliKl  aul>iie<iuent  to  the  IVloponneiilnn  war.  A  brief  nketch  of  moilern  (Iredan  hii-tory  U 
aubJoine<l,  in  onler  that  the  ntuilent  niny  have  an  opp<irtunity  of  coniparlnc  the  prraent  pro* 
pert*  with  the  furmer  fame  of  tirreoe." 

"A  brief  iiketrh  of  the  history  of  the  minor  atatea  and  of  the  lalanda  la  »ut\)olBe<l  to  the 
Appendix,  and  reference*  are  given  tu  the  rhiirr  they  bad  in  any  of  the  trau.'actlona  recorJMl 
In  the  body  of  the  work." 

28 


Pinnock's  Historical  Scries. 


r  ^^^ 


Pinnock's  Scries  have  been  recommended  by  Bcvernl  State  SopcrintcndenU  for 
the  school  libraries  of  their  respective  States,  and  great  numbers  of  them  have  been 
•old  for  that  purpo.-e.  In  fact,  they  have  become  school  classics;  and,  in  order  to 
make  the  scries  more  complete,  the  several  volumes  have  been  revised  by  that  well- 
known  hi^itorian,  W.  C.  Taylor,  LL.  D.,  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin.  The  popularity 
of  these  books  is  almost  without  a  parallel.  Teachers  unacquainted  with  them,  will 
on  c.xaniiuution  give  them  a  decided  preference  to  any  other  historical  teriei 
published. 


OPINIONS    OF    TEACHERS    AND    OF    THE    PRESS. 

A  well  wrifti-n  nnd  nuthontic  History  of  France  posnesses  unusnnl  interest  at  the  prewnt 
time.  It  bocnnn's  pspt'ciHlly  vnluaMe  when,  a."  in  tlie  present  case,  it  has  been  prepart^l  with 
questions,  as  a  tvxt-lMiok  for  common  schools  nntl  scminBrics,  by  a  scliolnr  so  accomplished  n» 
Dr.  Taylor.  The  stylo  is  clear  and  fofible,  ami,  fmm  ttic  compactness  of  the  work,  forming, 
•8  it  does,  a  complete  eiiain  of  events  in  a  most  important  part  of  the  history  of  Europe,  it 
will  be  found  iiilerostiug  and  valuable  for  general  readers,  or  as  a  text-book  in  our  schools.— 
Acw  Vitrk  Evtmny  J\iit. 


T\\e  popularity  of  these  liistoriefl  Is  almost  without  a  parallel  amon;;  our  school  bi>oks. 
Their  use  is  co-<'Xtensivc  with  the  Enpllsh  laiipuaire,  and  their  names  are  familiar  t«  all  mUy 
haTe  reewived  an  English  education.  —  l^nnsytvaniii  Imjuirer,  PfiiladeljMa. 


1  consider  "  Tinnoek's  edition  of  Goldsmith's  History  of  England"  as  the  best  edition  cf 
that  work  which  has  as  yet  lieen  published  for  the  use  of  schools.  —  John  Id.  Keasi/,  fYiena/ 
Academy,  Philaddphia. 


The  style  and  elepance  of  the  Innijuage.  the  arranKement  of  the  chapters,  and  the  ques  ions 
tor  examination,  render  "  Pinnock's  lmproTe<l  edition  of  (Jold.smith's  Rome,"  in  my  e«tla» 
tlon,  a  most  valuable  school  liook.  —  /.  F.  Gcuid,  Teacher,  Baltimort. 

i9 


Pinnock's  Historical  Series. 


OPINIONS     OF     THE     PRESS. 

Otbn  hlglorics  «»  correct,  other  liistorie*  as  full  and  learned  hare  been  written  but  !)• 
history  liM  yet  arpeared  which  combineK,  a."  does  Oold«inilh>,  simplicity  of  diction  ar^l  clear- 
neKK  of  style  with  cla^fic  elegance,  and  which  compresses  into  a  necessary  compactnek«,  with- 
out confoundinR  and  obscuring,  so  immense  a  mass  of  matter  as  is  comprised  in  the  annali 
©f  Old  Kngland.  The  edition  which  we  haTe  now  to  commend  to  our  readers  is  the  latest 
published,  and  contains  all  the  additions,  emendations,  and  improvements  to  the  author's 
original  work,  which  long  experience  and  careful  study  have  suggested. — Qufbfc  Mtrcury. 


"Taylor's  History  of  France"  is  truly  an  attractive  book  for  the  family  and  the  school, 
neatly  printed,  and  Illustrated  with  numenius  engravings,  which  descriVie  to  the  eye  iniinj 
historical  characters  and  events  of  general  interest.  As  an  epitome  of  history,  it  is  found-tl  im 
the  authority  of  French  writers  of  high  repute  as  historians.  The  style  in  which  the  writer 
has  briefly  narrated  the  great  events  of  French  history,  is  manly  and  vigorous,  yet  simple, 
and  iutelliglble  to  the  young.  —  Christian  Ob/erver. 

"  Pinnock's  Goldsmith's  Histories  of  Greece,  Komc.  and  England,"  hold  the  rank  of  school 
classics,  and  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  school  in  Kngland  anci  .America,  in  which  history 
is  studied.  In  the  History  of  England,  the  last  chapters,  which  were  addeil  since  the  time 
of  Goldsmith,  have  been  re-written,  and  so  cxtendi-d,  as  to  include  the  nation's  history,  and 
%  view  of  the  progress  of  its  arts,  sciences,  and  literature,  to  the  present  time.  —  I'/iiludii. 
HotOi  Amtrican  and  U.  S.  6'turite. 


OoTernment  Is  seen  In  Its  every  form,  and  society  in  its  every  phase,  in  the  History  of 
France.  The  questions,  tables,  and  engravings,  add  much  to  the  value  of  the  work.  t>f  the 
last  there  are  two  or  three  hundred,  ill  ustnitive  of  striking  events;  portraits  of  sovereigns  auJ 
prominent  characters;  and  illustrations  of  the  manners,  dre.ss,  and  weapons  of  the  people,  in 
diHerent  periods  of  their  national  existence.  —  Christiiin  M'alchman,  Toronto,  Oinada  H'. 


"Pinnock's  Goldsmith's  England"  is  80  well  known  and  univer.sally  approved,  that  any 
•ommendatiun  were  superfluous.  We  need  only  remark  that  the  tables  of  contemporary 
Mvercigns  and  eminent  persona  at  the  close  of  each  chapter,  and  the  mass  of  Illustrative 
matter,  consisting  of  not*'S,  numerous  tables,  and  engravings,  give  to  this  edition  a  superi- 
ority over  every  other  one  not  thus  illustrated. — Christian  }yalcfiman,  Toronto,  CUnada  )^\ 

"Taylor's  France"  Is  designed  for  the  use  of  schools,  and  Is  a  part  of  Pinnock's  school 
series.  It  is  admirably  aiJapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  intended,  and  will  give  to 
pupils,  in  a  brief  space,  much  useful  information  in  relation  to  the  history  of  Franc,  t^uch 
works  ought  to  be  introduced  into  all  schools,  as  history  is  the  most  important  ttudy  to 
which  the  mind  of  the  young  can  be  directed. —  Haltimnrt  Clipper. 

"Goldsmith's  Histories  of  Greece,  Home,  and  England,"  as  now  publisliixl,  have  l>een  sub- 
jected to  a  UKist  tlKTough  revision,  with  a  view  to  adapt  them  to  the  present  state  of  histori- 
cal learning.  Numerous  notes  are  appended,  chapters  have  been  added,  to  make  the  work/ 
more  complete,  and  to  each  section,  questions  bare  been  annexed  for  the  use  of  schools. — 
Wurctitfr  {Mass.)  J\illadium. 

"  Taylor's  History  of  Frnnro"  Is  appropriately  place<i  within  the  reach  of  .American  readers, 
•nd  if  It  fails  to  satisfy  those  who  have  occasion  to  examine  minutely  the  field  over  which 
the  author  has  gone,  it  will  at  least  lay  u  good  fnundation  for  further  ini|uirie8,  and  stlmu- 
lalo  ingenious  readers  to  a  further  study  of  the  subject  —  American  Courier. 

"  Taylor's  France"  is  deslgne<I  for  schools,  and  treats  of  the  history  of  a  country  that  hs«, 
In  every  age,  excrt<-d  a  great  influence  upon  the  character  and  destinies  of  man.  We  ron^ 
nienil  this  iKKik  as  a  correct,  compendious,  and  useful  history,  and  m  hich,  we  doubt  not,  will 
be  extensively  used  in  our  school.  —  GasetU  n/  U\t  I'ninn. 

"  Taylor's  History  of  France  and  Normandy"  is  an  admirable  work,  not  merely  for  children, 
but  for  the  general  reader,  who  may  not  have  the  time,  or  the  opportunity  alTurdo'l  him  O. 
{>«ruslng  works  moTt  in  detail.  —  JifpMican  lianner,  yashviUt,  Tenn. 

3« 


STANDARD   W0RL8 

ON 

NATURAL  SCiENCBS, 

PUBLISH  1:1 )      BY     (;HAUI.i:S      l>i:sil.VKIl, 

1229  CHESTNUT  STREET.  PUILADELFU: A. 


JOHNSTON'S  TURNER'S  CHEMISTRl? 


A  MANUAL  OF  CHEMISTRY, 


ON  Tni  BA8I8  or 

DR.  TURNER'S  ELEMENTS  OF  CHEMISTRY; 

C0NTA1NI.10,    IN    A   CONDENSED   FORM, 

ALL  TIU  UUST  IMrORTANT  FACTS  AND  I'KINCII'LES  OF  TUB  SCIENCE,  ANb 

D»>iaNID   AS    A 

TEXT-BUOK  IN  COLLEGES  AND  OTHER  SEMINARIES  OF  lEARNINB. 

A  New  tiiitl   Iinjirovntl   I*I(lition. 

BY  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  LL.  0., 

PR0rE880R   or    NATURAL   (taCNCE   IN    WESLETAN    CNITRRSITT. 
IL1.(;BTSAT£0  by  THBBB  HUNDHZO  and  EIOHTSBN  BNOSAVIBtM 
in  one  volume,  12ino.,  370  paga,  half  turkey-morocco  binding.    Price, 


JOHNSTON'S  TURNER'S  ELEHENTS  OF  CHEIOISTRY 


ElilMENTS  OF  CHEMISTRY. 

FOR   THE    USE    OF    COMMON    SCHOOLS. 
BY  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  LL.  D.. 

PkOrCBSOR    or     NATDRAL    tCIINCI     IM     TUI     WtlLITAK    DiriTIBSITr. 
BBADTLTOia^r   IULUBTBaTED    with    NUMEBOU8   ENOaA7tKOS    OH   WOOIk 

A     New    antl     Iinprovetl     Edition. 

/n  <me  votume,  Vimo.,  eontaining  383  paga,  half-morocco  btnJiny.     Prie$ 


*'Jobn.'itoD't  TurDcr'i  Cbomistrj"  i«  the  aUo'lard  toxt-book  of  manj  of  th* 
larding  dillcgei  and  pruuiincnt  Medical  iDctitutioDS  of  tbo  United  States;  Ml4 
ihe  "  ElcuH'Dtarj  Chomistrj  "  \a  extccsiToIjr  a«od  in  the  bolt  Pnblio  Sohoolm. 

31 


Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistries. 


'■Johnston's  Turner's  Manual  of  Chemistry"  is  now  in  u?e  in  the  University  of 
Psnnsylvania,  in  the  Central  High  School  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  Girard  College 
'or  Orphai.s,  Pliilailclphia,  in  the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  Lexington,  Va.,  in 
the  University  of  Michigan,  and  in  numerous  other  ecjually  celebrated  institu- 
li-  ns,  vhich  want  of  space  precludes  mention  of  in  this  jilace.  No  better  evidence 
can  be  adihiced  of  the  merit  of  these  books,  than  the  fact  that  they  now  are,  as  they 
Lave  been  lor  years,  the  standard  text-books  of  renowned  seminaries  of  learning. 


OPINIONS    OF     EMINENT     PROFESSORS,    ETC. 

BiinB  familiar  with  "Jolinston'n  Manual  of  Chemistry,"  I  am  clnil  to  testify  Hi  its  merit* 
a.1  atext-lxK.k  for  srhooU  ami  rollc;,'c.s.  Compiled  upon  the  basis  of  tlie  exeellent  work  of 
Dr.  Turner,  the  iirniiiKeineiit  of  its  sulijerts  in  philosophical,  and  the  niethiHl  of  trentinj;  them 
clear  and  instructive;  whiih,  aidiJ  by  the  Duiiieroux  wood-rut  illustrutions  iu  eluriciation  of 
the  text,  well  adapt  It  to  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  desigued.  —  Ji.  E.  Koyen,  I'tu/tstor  of 
Cliemitlry  in  Iht  Vnivtrtity  of  Jiiiiiti/lpania. 


1  find  "Johnnton'i  Turner's  Chemistry"  to  bo  a  carefully  rompilo-l  and  wi'll-dit;e<itej  tr<»». 
tlM<,  and,  as  I  believe,  well  adapted  to  surro  the  purponcs  of  a  text-lxH<k.  It  has  liven  iiitnv 
duced  into  many  acaduml->s  and  several  colli'^es,  and  is  held  in  hi^h  e.-tiiuatioii  — John  F 
t'Tazer,/urmcrli/  l^ufcsiur  of  O'cneral  Chemistry  in  Uie  »anA7in  JnttituU,  J'hUixUtljihia. 


I  repard  "Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistry"  as  an  oxoellent  toxt-bof)k.  Indeed,  to  most 
ttuileiilK  in  the  hiKhur  seniiiuiries  of  learninf;,  I  know  of  no  book  upon  the  suhjin-t  whirh  I 
o.iild  reOimm>'nd  in  prefen-uco  to  it. —  F.  Merrick,  I'mfrtanr  of  C/uiniilry  in  Vie  Ohio  Wt* 
'tyan  Vnivrrnly  and  iHarling  Medical  tXUUge,  Cblumbut,  Ohio. 


Ai  a  text-txMik,  I  repird  "Johnston's  Manual  of  Chemistry"  as  fur  superior  to  "Turner's 
'vliemlstry,"  on  whirh  it  is  lia>'rd ;  Im-Irk  more  condensed  and  practical,  and  yet  sufflciently 
and  equally  presentlot;  the  lute  rapid  advancvmeut  of  the  sclencu.  —  I^i/r*tor  lioolh,  /or- 
mrrly  of  Uu  JJiyh  Miool,  IhiUidilyhia. 

I  hare  examlniKl  "Jolinston's  Turner's  Chemistry,"  and  can  recommend  It  as  an  excellent 
•Irmontary  work  on  that  sulyuct.  —  Ji.  UuuntrU  Hand,  I'njtuor  t(f  Vli€tniftry  in  Uit  Ocntrai 
Vtffh  School,  I'hiUxddyhia. 

82 


Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistries. 
^  1  ■    


OPINIONS    OF    EMINENT    PROFESSORS,    ETC. 

I  likfi  "Johnston's  Turner's  CTiemistry  "  now  much  better  than  before.  The  arrangeinent 
ef  fjucstions  at  the  foot  of  each  page,  with  numb«'r8  rcfiTrinjc  to  the  para^aphs,  is  a  great 
help  to  stu<lents;  and  the  new  illustrations,  with  the  new  experiments,  which  I  see  in  all 
parts  of  the  work,  are  also  ailditional  reoommi-nilations.  There  is  also  a  very  manifest  im- 
provement in  thi'  style;  which  is  more  concise,  anj,  if  I  may  use  the  worJ,  more  pointed.— 
Fro/asor  Aaron  }V/tUe,  Oneida  Omfcrence.  Seminary,  Cosmwia,  N.  B. 


ITaTing  carefully  examined  "Johnston's  Turner's  Elements  of  Chemistry,  for  the  use  of 
Schools,"  I  take  pleasure  in  expressing  the  opinion  that  it  is  what  it  professes  to  be,  —  "  » 
faithful  compendium  of  the  science  in  its  present  state," — and  that  it  is  admirably  suited  to 
elementary  instruction  in  male  ifnd  female  academies.— 7?.  T.  lirumly,  Professor  of  Chemistry 
in  South  Carolina  Cijlkge,  Cblumbia.  S.  C. 


The  arrancement  of  the  book  is  judicious,  and  the  principles  of  chemical  science  are  d»- 
feloped  in  a  style  remarkable  for  its  clearness  and  precision.  I  never  before  met  with  a 
treatise  on  chemistry  in  which  the  subject  was  so  thorouRhly  treated  within  narrow  limits. — 
/.  Sirnmons,  Principal  of  the  Locust  Street  Institute  fur  Young  Ladies,  Philadelphia, 


"Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistry"  is  fully  up  to  the  times  in  recent  improvement.")  and  dl» 
eoveries;  and  I  think  every  teacher  will  be  plea-sed  with  the  author's  meth<><l,  as  well  as  with 
the  mechanical  execution  of  the  work  —  C.  C.  Olds,  Professor  of  Natural  Sciences,  M'fsleyan 
Seminary,  Albion,  Michigan. 

Profes-sor  .Johnston  has  done  well  in  selecting  Turner  a.1  a  basis;  and.  by  a  careful  and 
pkilful  revi.<ion  of  that  excellent  work,  he  has  given  us  a  hook  admirably  adapted  to  the 
hi-'her  classes  in  our  best  institutions.  —  Samuel  Randall,  Principal  of  Young  Ladiejf  Schoti, 
Walnut  Street,  Philadelphia.  

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Visitors  of  the  Natchei  (Miss.)  Institute,  ''Johnston'ii  El*, 
■nents  of  Chemistry  "  was  unanimously  adopted  as  a  text-book  for  the  use  of  pupils.  —  L.  M. 
Puttersim,  Secretary. 


It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  say  that  I  am  much  gratifie<l  with  the  appearance,  plan,  and 
airrlianical  execution  of  "Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistry,"  and  I  shall  immediately  introduce 
this  etiilion  into  my  classes.  —  Professor  A-  Daris,  Emory  oTui  Henry  College,  Virginia. 


I  must  -say  that  "Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistry  "  presents,  both  internally  and  externally, 
everything  that  one  can  desire.  —  Henry  S.  Aoyrt,  J^ofessur  of  JJathematics  in  the  XorUi- 
Western  Vnirersily,  Evanston,  Illinois. 

S3 


Johnston's  Turner's  Chemlstrie*. 


OPINIONS     OF    THE     PRESS. 

Dr.  'oTitidton  onjoyn  the  hinh  Batlnfactlon  of  h  profegoor  whose  ambition  anj  anility  bar* 
•nahjed  him  to  dlsppUM  Ingtruction  from  fext-hooki  r«tampp<J  with  his  own  Imprint  and 
•hap«J  to  his  own  Tl.wf.  The  liwuo  of  thp  ("Ixth  edition  of  "JohnotonV  Turner'*  Chemlitry  " 
BlT«a  ample  awuriince  of  tuceeti.  The  reTlrilonn  ore  Important  and  Taluable,  and  tha  work 
may  be  aafcly  r.-<omm.nded.  with  additional  cre-lentlnl*  of  lui  hl^-h  excellence  for  the  pur- 
poaea  of  collegiate  and  academic  Instruction.  —  MrVmdiU  Quarterly  Htriev). 

••Johndton'ii  Klementnry  Chemlntry  "  In  an  nbridument  of  a  larjrcr  work  by  the  author  on 
rtia  namn  auhjert,  which  hii»  a  welU-ntubUHhed  reputation.  He  waa  Indurwl  to  prepare  tbU 
volume  to  aupply  a  lack  that  wa*  felt  for  a  long  time;  the  UxUbooka  in  u*e  beInK  eltbw  too 
larne  and  full,  or  elae  of  too  JuTenlle  a  character.  It  U  admirably  adapted  to  lh«  wanU  Of 
youlh  In  our  public  and  priraU  achooli.  —  ynopmi  ( H  I.)  Daily  JVViot. 

The  prf»<>nt  edition  of  "Johnston's  Turner'*  Chemintry  "  haa  been  In  part  re-wrltten,  en 
tir.ly  nv,icr«.t/pe.l,  and  new  illustrations  prrpareil  for  It,  some  of  which  have  been  Ukso 
fr..m  the  popular  work  of  ,V.  h'njnauli.  The  work  Is  thus  presented  as  subsUntlally  an  o^^ 
final  manunl.  cmmplul"  In  Its  di-l){n,  snd  contaliilnu  all  which  oould  be  gleaned  ftvm  Iba  moct 
prominent  works  on  the  sulJocL  — Afu;  York  .Si<r», 


Tha  bMt  elementary  worh  on  Chemistry  sTer  written  Is  that  of  Turner;  ami  the  Tarious 
•  llllons  throunh  whlrli  II  has  paMvl  are  satisfactory  prrv.fs  of  lis  exc^ll.-nc».  The  Tolums 
Ufore  us  has  been  reTl^ed  by  Profi-s^jr  Johnston,  and  such  ailditions  male  as  to  embrace  the 
trry  l«te»t  disooTerles  In  the  science.  It  Is  an  admlratla  work  for  acbooU  and  oollegea.— JV<»» 
Orlaofu  litt. 

Tba  Toluma  before  as  is  most  tastefully  (rotten  »ip.  and,  without  reserre  or  quallflcatlon, 
we  pronounoe  It,  after  a  careful  eiamlnnllon,  the  Iwt  treatise  on  rhi-ml'try,  for  •cluols  and 
MlUffM,  now  b«lDr«  Um  AiMrk&B  w  KnglUh  pablla.  — (ftuMiMfoN  CViKMH  .^-'-^-'f   Ci» 


Johnflton's  Turner's  Chemistries. 


OPINIONS    OFTHE     PRESS. 

W«  oonrtdM  Johnston'*  Turner-i  Chemlotry  "  one  of  the  best  manuali  on  the  rabject  with 
which  w«  »re  arqnainted  The  author  treato  of  the  varioug  i<u»yect»  in  ■  plain,  famlHar  ityle; 
the  dewTlptlon  of  earh  element  if.  prefaced  by  an  epitome  of  it«  history;  all  the  formula  ar« 
given  necewary  to  exhibit  the  chan<ei  that  take  place  in  the  formation  of  new  compoundJ 
from  aevernl  existing  element*;  and  the  directions  for  performinK  experimentii  are.  of  them- 
seWes,  sumcient  to  recommend  the  worlt  to  any  one  deslrou*  of  obtaining  an  experiments 
Icuowledge  of  chemistry.  — )r«<miwter  JleraUL,  Xew  WUmington,  A. 


"Jobniton'i  Turner's  Chemistry  "  leads  the  pupil  on  very  Rradually  ffom  the  rimplent  el  • 
ments  of  the  science  to  lU  hiKher  departmento.  lU  arruiiKement  Is  natural,  it*  statement.* 
perspicuous,  and  it«  illustrations  amply  aufflcient  All  the  more  recent  and  ImporUnt  disco- 
veries  in  the  science  are  Introduced ;  for  Profesfwr  Johnston,  with  the  spirit  of  a  true  student, 
lieeping  fully  up  with  the  march  of  the  edenc*,  has  almoet  rewritten  the  present  edition.- 
Haine  EvangtiitL 

The  two  point*  of  excellence  In  a  work  on  chemistry  are,  firstly,  the  ability  and  Intelllnene* 
of  the  writer,  and  secondly.  Its  noTelty;  and  we  have  the  apsurance  of  an  ex-student  of 
Oiuelin  (wlio«)  works  hare  b.-en  u.».k1  in  preparini;  this  e<lition  of  "Johnston's  Turner's  Che- 
o.i-try  ").  that,  as  a  rtmii.lete  coinpen.lium  for  the  use  of  schools,  there  Is  at  present  no  work 
piibliHlieU  which  cau  be  compared  with  th\B.  —  Philadelphia  Hixning  UulUiin. 


1.1  chemistry,  continually  ImproTlng  as  the  science  Is  by  new  dlscorerleii.  the  latest  book 
mii-t  l>e  Houcht;  and  when,  as  in  this,  an  approved  sUndard  is  taken  as  the  basis,  and  the 
•  ork  is  re-written  from  time  to  time,  to  keep  pace  with  the  advnnce  of  discovery,  every  requU 
iite  to  a  complete  manual  is  embroced  In  \U  — rhUadelphia  yorlh  American. 


"Johnston's  Turner's  Chemistry  "  Is  formed  npon  thebai«Uof  "Turner's  Element*  of  Ch». 
»l5fry,"  and  -»nt;iini>,  in  a  condensed  form,  aU  the  most  Important  facta  and  prindplee  of  tbt 
tel*D*«.  — -Vow  OrUaru  BuCtUn. 


JOHNSTON'S  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHIES 


JOHNSTON'S  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY. 

A  MANUAL  OF  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY, 

COMPILKD     FKOM     VARIOUS     SOURCES,     AND     DESIGNED     AS     A 

TEXT-BOOK    IN    II 10  II    SCUOOLS    AND    ACADEMICS 
BY  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  LL.  D, 

PROFESSOR   or    NATURAL   SCIKNCE    IN    THK    WtSLKTAX    DNIVLESITT. 

lUuitraUD  toft!)  Ctcff  jHJunHrc^  an"D  Cbfttn^JThjo  liiifltabfnBS  on  MSoofc 
A    Ne\v    and.    Revised    Edition, 

ENLARGED    AND    IMPROVED. 

Jh  eiM  vcUtme,  \2mo^  Z'ipagtt,  half  lurUty-morocco  binding.    Priot, 


Tic  present  edition  of  this  work  will  be  found  much  enlarged  and  prcntlj  Im 
prored.  Exact  in  its  definilions,  ori^iunl  in  its  illustrntiun?,  full  and  fiimiliar  Id 
tsplnnations,  the  publisher  feels  confident  that  on  exaininatiun  of  the  work  cannot 
fftil  to  result  in  its  decided  approTal.  Recently  it  hag  been  rccummended  for  us* 
in  the  common  schools  by  the  Hoard  of  Education  of  the  Slate  of  New  Il'impshire. 
It  has  also  been  adopted  in  the  111^1'  School  of  C:iinKri<lf;c,  Massachusetts,  and  Id 
Oirard  College,  I'hiladelphiu,  na  ^vcll  as  in  many  Acadeuiius  and  Schooli  in  various 

leolions  of  the  Union. 

80 


JOHNSTON'S  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHIES. 


PRIMARY   NATURAL    PHILOSOPHY, 

DESIGNED  FOB 

TUE   USB   OF    THE   YOUNGER  CLASS   OF    LEARNERS. 

BY  JOHN  JOHNSTON,  LL.  D. 

nawtasoR  OP  natural  saENCE  in  the  ■wesletan  ujotersitt,  adtiior  op  "johnstobi 

turner's  CHEMISTRr,"   "JOHNSTON'S  TURNER'S  ELEMENTS  OF  CHEMISTRY," 
AND  "JOHNSTON'S  NATURAL  PHIlOSOPnY." 

SllustratetJ  bg  ©ue  JttJunTirelr  an^  Sebcnt^^STtoo  EnflraWnfla. 

One  voL  IStno.,  184  paget,  hcUf'Toan  binding.    Prict      cent*. 


J 


This  little  volume  is  intended  to  aid  the  younger  class  of  learners  in  acquiriog 
a  knowledge  of  some  of  the  fundamental  principles  of  Natural  Philosophy,  And 
to  give  them  such  a  taste  for  the  study  as  will  'ead  to  the  examination  of  mora 


advanced  woks  on  the  science.  Though  but  a  short  time  before  thj  public,  it  bM 
mot  with  such  decided  success,  that  it  is  now  used  in  a  large  number  of  schools  la 
ill  8»r  ions  uf  the  Union. 

87 


Johnston's  Natural  Philosophies. 

* — « — ♦ 


ENDORSEMENTS     BY     PROFESSORS,    ETC. 

A  claw  of  younir  ladies  in  my  school  haTinp  recently  finished  the  study  of  Professor  Joh» 
iton'ti  •'  Natural  Philosophy  "  with  great  satisfaction  to  both  them  and  myself.  I  cannot  refrain 
from  bestowing  upon  the  work  my  decided  approbation.  It  would  refjuire  t<io  much  space  to 
enumerate  its  merits.  I  would  merely  say  that,  in  my  judgment,  it  is  the  best  book  of  its 
kind  St  present  before  the  public. —  Samuel  Randall,  I'oung  Ladittf  School,  \falnut  Strut, 
I'liUadelphia. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  of  Common  Schools  for  the  State  of  New  ITampshire, 
held  in  Concord,  on  motion  of  Mr. Whidden,  of  Lancaster,  Coos  County,  "Johnston's  Natiinil 
I'liiloinphy  "  was  recommended  to  be  used  in  the  common  schools  of  the  State. — Extract  from 
Vie  Minutct  of  Uie  Board. 


I  cnii-liler  "Johnston's  Manual  of  Natural  Plillosophy  "  as  an  exc-llent  text-hook  for  In- 
striirtimi  in  schools  am)  aradeinies.  —  M.J.  WUliami,  I'm/asor  of  MttHitmatici  and  .\'ilural 
ritilotuftliy  in  Siiuth  Carolina  OJlege. 


At  a  mectlnc  of  the  Boanl  of  Visitors  of  the  Natchci  (Miss.)  Institute,  "Johnston's  Natu- 
ral I'lilli'Si  |>liy  "  was  uoanimousljr  adopted  as  %  text-book  for  the  use  of  the  pupils.  —  L.  M 
J\Utcrtun,  Secretary. 

»S 


Johnston's  Natural  Philosophies. 

•— ♦ — • 


OPINIONS    OF    THE     PRESS. 

A  new  and  revised  edition  of  this  extensively  used  text-book  has  been  issued.  The  expla. 
nntions  of  the  natural  phenomena  are  full  and  intelligible,  and  illustrated  by  numerous  en- 
gravings, while  the  work  combines  the  merits  of  simplicity  and  brevity. —  Boston  Dailf 
Journal. 


We  know  no  better  text-book  of  the  physical  sciences  than  this.  As  a  manual  for  pchoolfi, 
It  is  worthy  of  all  prai.xe;  and  the  information  it  embraces  is  of  a  character  that  every  intel- 
Ugent  reader  should  refresh  his  mind  with  occasionally.  —  Boston  Transcript. 


"Johnston's  Natural  Philosophy"  is  a  compilation  from  the  most  able  writers  on  Natural 
Science,  condensed  into  a  work  bearing  an  original  impress,  by  an  experienred  teacher.  W* 
commend  it  to  the  attention  of  professors  and  principals  of  schools. — PhU.Ko)-Ui  AmerKon, 


"Johnston's  Natural  Philosophy,"  de.slgned  for  the  use  of  high  schools  and  academies,  has 
ooon  pre|i;>red  in  a  very  able  and  judicious  manner  for  the  comprehension  of  the  student.— 
Fhiladelphia  Advertiser. 

39 


Johnston's  Natural  Philosophies. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

This  book  belongs  to  n  rare  ^ipecies.  It  is  better  thnn  its  dcfiKU,  and  performs  more  than  !l 
promises.  It  was  prcparuil  expressly  for  tlie  tyro  of  scienoe  in  our  hif;li  schools  and  aOHde 
Bies.  niirl.  wliile  we  ronimeiid  its  admirable  adaptation  to  that  end,  we  also  believe  it  t<  b» 
equally  suit<'d  to  the  wants  of  a  numerous  class  of  general  readers,  who  desire  information 
upon  physical  sul  jects,  but  are  deterred  from  seeking  it  in  larger  and  more  abstruse  trejUi>«t 
-   Literary  Ittcurd. 

Thia  excellent  and  standard  work  on  Natural  Philosophy  was  very  thoroughly  revi.st-d  a  f«w 
year*  ago,  and  brought,  in  every  respect,  up  to  the  modern  sLindard.  But  the  science  ad 
vances  Tery  rnpiilly  ;  and  it  is  only  very  recently  that  the  Foucault  experiment  with  the  [«n 
dulum.  the  gyro.scope,  and  the  stereoscope  have  been  invented.  All  of  these  arc  added  to 
this  edition,  making  it  in  every  respect  a  very  desirable  book  for  schools.— /Vii:/<u/«/p/»ia  t>oer. 
ing  BulUtin. 


n 


".Tohn«ton's  Primary  Natural  Philososophy,"  Intended  for  the  use  of  young  beginners,  hfc 
been  very  Inippily  di-slgiii-d  by  I'rofi'ssor  Johnston.  Tlie  lessons  in  Philoi«i|iby  are  ver', 
plainly  told,  and  neatly  illnHtrate<J ;  and  the  book  Is  well  worthy  of  a  place  in  our  schooU  — 
I'hiladdphia  Huitdiiy  Ditpalclt. 

In  the  preparalion  of  '•The  Manual  of  Natural  Phllosopliy,"  the  author  has  niado  ust-  r. 
the  latest  and  be."l  inilcpendi-nt  treatises  on  the  sutyect.s  considered:  an<l  his  work  is  deweri 
lug  of  u  careful  L'.\amiuullou  by  teachers  and  school  committees.  —  Huston  TravdUr. 


The  "  Primary  Natural  Philosophy,"  designed  for  the  use  of  the  younger  class  of  learni«r» 
ia  an  admirable  work,  from  the  pen  of  Professor  Johnston,  author  of  several  works  on  Che 
nlatry  and  Natural  Philosophy.     It  Is  c<ipiously  illustrated.— C>m.<<iVu/i'"n.  .VuUUluum,  Oonn. 

The  "  .Manual  of  Natural  Plillosophy  "  is  an  excellent  work,  and  shouM  \iv  introduced  into 
•U  our  schools.  —  Newport  {It.  I.)  iMily  Stwt. 

40 


ELEMENTARY  PHYSIOLOGY -ANIMATED  NATURE. 


(In  Preparation.) 

ELEMENTARY   PHYSIOLOGY: 

A  CONCISE  DESCIIIPTION 

OP 

THE    FUNCTIONS    OF    ORGANIZED     BODIES, 

AND 

Especially    of    Man. 
>a!'ti:d  to  tiik  csk  ok  com-kges,  academics,  and  schools  generally 
with  numerous  illustrations. 
BY    KICIIAIID    J.    DUNGLISON,    M.D. 

Otie  vol.,  royal  \2nw.,  half-morocco  binding.    J'ricc  $ 


This  work  will  be  a  comprehensive  and  accurate  text-book  on  the  interesting 
and  important  subject  of  which  it  treats,  and  will  be  found  well  adapted  to  tap 
purposes  of  Colleges,  Academies,  and  Schools,  as  well  as  of  great  utility  to  the  ge- 
neral reader.  It  will  embrace,  so  far  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  the  applica- 
tions of  Descriptive  .Anatomy,  Microscopy,  and  Organic  Chemistry  to  the  elucida- 
a-jn  of  the  various  sul'jects. 


(/n  Preparation.) 
G  L  I  M  P  S  K  S 

OF 

ANIMATED    NATURE; 

C'lMl'KlSlNO    DESCUIPTIOXS   OF 

tiirds,    Anintials,    Fislies,    Reptiles,    Insects,    £Lto. 

WITH 
SKETCHES  OF  THEIR  PECCLIAK  HABITS  AND  CHARACTERISTICS; 

COMPILED   FROM   THE   WRITINGS   OP 

Cuvicr,   Buffon,   Goldsmith,   Bigland,  Wood,   Godwin,   Audubon,   Cassln, 

AND    OTHER    EMINENT   NATURALISTS, 

AND 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  CAPACITIES  OF  ALL  READERS. 

BY  J.  W.  O'NEILL. 
— *^^  Copfousljj  anti  JScautffulIn  Illustvntrt. 

In  one  royal  V2mo.  volume,  half  morocco  binding.    Price  $ 


in  this  volume  will  be  presented  accurate  descriptions  of  every  variety  of  Bird, 
A!:imal,  Reptile,  Insect,  Fish,  etc.,  written  in  plain  and  familiar  language,  and 
iivested  of  those  technicalities  which  are  calculated  rather  to  embarrass  than  to 
inform  the  ordinary  reader.  It  will  be  so  arranged  as  to  fill  equally  well  a  place 
in  »he  family  library,  or  a  vacuum  on  the  school-desk  ;  for  which  it  will  be  adapted 
by  judicious  Questions  appended  at  the  close  of  the  volume.  The  Illustrationi 
wi'.l  be  true  to  Nature,  and  engraved  in  the  very  highest  style  of  the  art. 

41 


GUY  ON  ASTRONOMY,  AND  KEITH  ON  THE  GLOBES. 


GUY'S  ELEMENTS  OF  ASTRONOMY, 

AND   A.N   AURlnCME.VT   OF 

KEITH'S  NEW  TREATISE 

o:» 

THE   USE    OF    THE    GLOBES. 

THIRTIETH  AMERICAN  EDITION,  WITH  ADDITIONS  AND  IMPROVEMENTS, 

AND   AN 

BXPLAXATIOX   OF  THE   ASTUOXOMICAL   PAUT  OP  THE   AMKRICAN   AI.MANAtt 
ILLUSTRATED  WITH  EIGHTEEN  BEAUTIFUL  PLATES, 

nUAWN    AND    KNORaVED    ON    STKKL,    IN    TllK    BKST    MANNER. 

/n  (yv.  Tcyal  18mo.  rxiume,  wrUaining  MQpaga,  half-roan  binding.    JVict  $1.00. 


As  an  elementary  work,  "Guy's  Astronomy"  is  free  from  two  very  common  ob- 
jections—  extreme  brevity  on  the  one  hnnd,  and  excessive  prolixity  on  the  other; 
but  a  just  medium  has  been  observed  between  the.-=e  two  extremes.  Every  one  is 
aware  not  only  of  the  impropriety,  but  also  of  the  positive  injury,  effected  by  an 
attempt  to  overload  the  yet  unexpaiidcd  faculties  of  the  mind  by  filling  it  with  a 
too  great  redundancy  of  ideas,  during  a  first  course  in  any  science;  and,  there- 
fore, the  Work  has  been  so  arranged  as  to  make  it  suit  the  purposes  of  fclmlnrs  of 
different  clasiics,  cafiacities,  and  ages,  while,  at  the  sumo  time,  it  is  rendered  mur* 
accommodating  to  instructors. 

The  cxl'-nsive  and  clear  definitions  of  "Keith  on  the  Globes"  include  every- 
thing which  is  necessary  for  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  structure,  design,  and 
uses  of  the  globes.  The  present  abridgment  has  been  i)reparcd  to  meet  a  demand 
which  has  been  frequently  ina<lc  by  teachers  who,  though  desirous  of  giving  theii 
pupils  thorough  instruction  on  the  globes,  yet  think  the  larger  work  of  Kuilh  con- 
tains a  great  deal  more  than  is  necessary  fur  the  purpose. 


ENDORSEMENTS     OF     EDUCATIONISTS. 

A  volume  pontnlnlng  (!uy's  pnpulnr  "  Tn-ntifi- on  A'trcinfiiny  "  and  "  Krith  nn  thr  <!loh»Ni'* 
li.'winK  Ix-i-n  puliiiilllol  to  uo  for  ■•XHrninnlinn.  wi-  nin,  wiiliout  nny  hoitatinn.  n-oniiinipnd  It 
t/)  till-  notiw  nnd  pntronnj;""  of  |ii\miljt  nmi  IcbcIhtb.  Thi>  work  on  A^tnuioniy  In  rlf»r,  Intel- 
liijililp,  nnJ  Fiiltfil  to  till"  (^•in|irfhi'n^ion  of  younn  p«'^^onn.  It  roracrlocH  n  i:Trni  nniuuiit  of 
Infornintlnn,  mill  Ik  writ  llluKlrHt<Nl  nilli  utrvl  i-n^rnvlnifB.  "Keith  tm  tlir  (iloln-n"  hint  long 
li«!n  ri-coRiilm-d  ««  aKlomlnr'l  wli'XiltKwili.  Tho  t)n-»ont  rdltlon,  ciompri'tsl  In  the  faniornluma 
with  tho  "Antronomy,"  in  lni|>r"Vi«l  l)y  the  oiiiiM>l«n  of  much  ■xtrniiroiiR  mnttrr,  ami  tl« 
rrOurtion  c.f  ulie  nnj  (irlcu.  On  tUr  whole,  wc  know  of  no  whool-bi>ok  wliirh  ronlninn  no 
tniirh  in  dc  llttio  i<|>a»>  a.<  the  new  cllthm  of  (iuy  ami  Kriiti. —  TKiimai  h'.uitncr,  Jnhn  l/ntlam, 
M'.  Curran,  Aimiul  CUnJtnin,  Churl/j  Maul,  Ilrnj<imin  Mnyn,  Hugh  .Vithhc,  J  II.  lilack. 


The  nuhjolnwl,  teacher*  In  the  city  of  Daltimore,  Maryland,  ronriir  In  the  opinion  abor* 
•  xpmoMxl  —  K.  JUnnrU,  C.  K  Iktn^nar,  K  K.  Ilirnr)/,  l!iJ*rt  (r .\riU,  y.  Sjxinuin,  O.  »K 
TrtadvcU,  Jama  ShanUj/,  IKiriJ  King,  li'ixri  HoUrr,  V.  W.  MoCUlan. 

42 


.  STANDARD  WORKS 

ON 

MATHEMATICS,  ETC., 

PUBLISHKD     BY     CHARLKS     DESILVER, 

714  CHESTNUT  STKEKT,  PllILADELI'IIIA. 


SMITH'S  MATHEMATICAL   SERIES. 


/AMERICAN    STATISTICAL   ARITHMETIC, 

DKSIGXKD  FOll  ACADEMIES  AND  SCHOOLS. 

BY  FRANCIS  H.  SMITH,  A.M., 

frrrRINTENCEXT    AND    IT.OKKSSOK   UF    MATIItM  MlCS    IN    THE   VIKUlNli    MILITARY    INSTITCTK.   LAI* 

PROFESSOR  OF   MATHEMATICS   IN    HAMl-llEN   SIDNEV    COLLEGE,    AND    FORMERLY   ASSIOTANI 

PROFESSOR  IN  TUB  UNITED  STATES  MIUTARY  ACADEMY,  WEST  POINT, 

AND 

R.    T.  W.    DUKE, 

ASSISTANT  PROFESSOR  OF  MATHEMATICS  IN  THE  VIRGINIA   MILITARY  INSTITOTK. 

Kourtli    Kdition- 

tn  one  volume,  royal  ISmo.,  containing  282  pages,  lialf-roan  binding.    Price,  3S  cctUf. 


I  N  T  II  O  D  U  C  TI  O  N 

TO 

SMITH    AND    DUKE'S   ARITHMETIC. 

BY   FRANCIS   H.   SMITH,    A.M., 

eUPBRINTEMSEM   AND   PROFESSOR  OF   MATHEMATICS   IN   TUE    VIKUINIA   MaiTART   INSTITOTB. 

One  vol.,  18mo.,  93  pages,  half-roan  binding.    Price  20  cents. 


A    KEY 

TO 

SMITH    AND    DUKE'S    ARITHMETIC. 

PREPARED   BY   WILLIAM   FORBES, 

ASSISTANT   PROFESSOR   OF   MATHEMATICS   IN   THE    VIRGINIA    MIUTARY   INSTITCTB. 

One  volume,  ISmo.,  112  pages,  half-roan  binding.    Price,  30  cents. 


The  design  of  the  author  of  the  "Statistical  Arithmetic"  has  been  to  illustrate 
the  various  rules  by  examples  selected,  whenever  practic.iblo,  from  the  most  pro- 
minent fiiots  connected  with  the  history,  geography,  and  statistics  of  the  United 
States.  Aritiimetic  thus  becomes  a  medium  for  communicating  much  important 
Information,  which  will  readily  bo  apprehended  by  the  youthful  mind,  and  bo  im- 
pressed  upon  it  throughout  life. 

iS 


standard  Works  on  Mathematics,  Etc. 


ENDORSEMENTS    OF    SMITH'S    ARITHMETICS. 

The  BoarJ  of  Directors  of  the  Literary  Fund  Board  having  examined  the  Introduction  to 
Smith  and  Dulie';^  American  ^statistical  Arithnu-tic,  take  pleasure  in  recommending  tin»  work 
especially  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  designed,  "  to  prepare  beginners  for  the  study  of  the 
more  advanced  parts  of  the  science."  The  plan  of  inculcating  valuable  statistical  informsv- 
tion  in  the  illustration  of  arithmetical  rules  is  not  only  novel  and  attractive,  but  useful,  and 
is  doubtless  calculated  to  make  a  strong  impression  on  the  minds  of  youth.  —  J.  Brown,  Jr., 
Second  Auditor  LiUiary  Fund  Board,  Va. 


The  character  of  this  work  is  simplicity,  and  the  rules  are  given. in  plain  and  brief  Ian- 
uuge.  It  is  the  only  Arithmetic  we  have  ever  seen  which  can  truly  be  called  American,  and 
as  all  the  illustrations  are  drawn  from  the  most  prominent  facts  connected  with  the  history, 
geography,  and  statistics*  of  our  country,  it  will  be  seen  that  while  the  pupil  is  advancing 
in  arithmetic,  he  is  also  acquiring  valuable  statistical  information  which  will  be  useful  ut  all 
periods  of  life.  —  Saturday  Evening  N-'.ws,  W'asliinylon,  D.  C. 

"Smith  and  Duke's  American  Statistical  Arithmetic"  evidently  simplifies  the  proce.ss  of 
calculation,  while  it  lets  the  pupil  into  the  rationale  or  science  of  its  rules  of  computation  — 
and  as  might  be  e.xpected,  from  the  practical  sphere  in  which  its  authors  have  been  operating 
much  of  the  redundancy  of  former  publications  on  Arithmetic  has  been  made  to  give  plac«» 
to  rules  and  illustrations  more  laconic,  while  more  accessible  to  the  general  minds  of  students. 

—  Xorfolk  Daily  Courier. 

The  American  Statistical  Arithmetic,  and  an  Introduction  to  the  same,  are  works  of  more 
than  ordinary  merit.  With  clear  and  definite  Rules,  they  convey  a  large  amount  of  valuable 
information  not  usually  within  the  reach  of  students  of  Arithmetic.  Their  general  intro- 
duction will  aid  tlie  cause  of  sound  instruction  in  the  schools  and  academies  of  our  country. 

—  J.  U.  Brown,  A.M.,  laU  Principal  of  Zane  Street  School,  rUiUxdetphia. 

I  consider  it  decidedly  the  best  Arithmetic  I  have  seen,  not  only  as  regards  the  valuable 
statistical  information  it  contains,  but  also  in  the  arrangement,  and  the  very  clear  and  simple 
explanations  of  the  rules  which  it  gives.  —  Professor  Pike  Powers,  laU  of  Virginia  University. 


S  MITH^S    BIO  T. 

AN   E  L  E  M  i:  N  T  A  R  Y   TREATISE 

ox 

ANALYTICAL   GEOMETRY. 

translati:d  from  the  fhkncii  of  j.  b.  biot, 
by  francis  h.  smith,  a.  m., 

dOPEKINTiNDE.VT    AXD    I'RuFKsSOK   uf    .M  \TIU;M  ITli.S    I.V    TllK    VllUilMA   MILITAUT    INSTITUTE. 

A    New    and    Revised    I*2diiion, 

In  one  volume,  Svo,  containimj  3(t2  pagis.  full-bouiul  in  sheep.    Price  $1.50. 


OPINIONS    OF    EDUCATIONSTS. 

I  have  long  lamented  the  del.rt  in  lo-ical  arr.nigenient  of  most  of  the  princip.il  trcatisen  on 
the  subject  of  Analytical  tMoniclry,  with  n-gard  to  one  of  its  mo.Kt  important  applications  — 
Cknic  Sections.  The  treatise  of  Iliot  comes  prei-i.-^ely  up  to  my  i.li'a  of  the  proper  arrangement 
in  this  reapect.  —  Proffssor  Saunder.^,  of  Wdliani  anU  Mary  thllrge. 

It  gives  the  definitions  and  some  of  the  most  abstruse  parts  of  the  srionce  with  greater 
cb-arneKH  and  porspicuity  than  any  siniiliir  work  with  which  I  am  acquainted  — and  1  iilno 
think  the  copious  examples  given  a  groat  desideratum.  — .4.  >K  MiUspaugh,  Principal  of  the 
C'Uitttcai  SchiMl,  ParmvilU. 

I  linvo  your  Geometry,  and,  afler  a  careful  examination  of  it,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  prt^ 
-ounro  it  an  excellent  wi.rk  —  the  best  on  the  subject  tliat  I  have  seen.  1  kIuiII  iberufor* 
•dopt  it  immedlatuly  in  the  academy.  — JfV</Mior  John  U.  Strange,  \orfoUc  Academy. 

44 


STANDARD  WORKS  ON  MATHEMATICS,  ETC. 


SMITH'S   ALGEBRA. 


A.N  ELEMENTARY  TREATISE  ON  ALGEBRA, 

PREPARED   FOR   THK   USE    OP 

Dili;  CADETS  OF  THE  VIRGINIA  MILITARY  INSTITUTE 

AND  ADAPTED  TO 

THE  PRESENT  STATE  OF  MATHEMATICAL  INSTRUCTION 

IN  THE 

SCHOOLS   AND    COLLEGES   OF    THE  UNITED    STATES. 
BY  FRANCIS  H.  SMITH,  A.  M., 

iOPEWNTENDENT  AND   PROFESSOR  OF  M.\THEMATIC8  IN  THE  VEiOINIA  MIUTABT   INSTITUTE; 
TOOETDER  WITH 

t-     LARGE     SELECTION     OF     PROMISCUOUS     EXAMPLES, 

CARKFULLY    SELECTED    FROM    THE    MOST    APPROVED    AUTHORITY, 

BY  S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 

ADJUNCT  PROFESSOR  OF  MATHEMATICS  IN  THE  VmOINU  MILITAET   UNIVERSITT. 

NEW  EDITION,  ENLAHGED. 

/n  one,  volume,  tlemi-odavo,  containing  379  pages,  half  turkey-morocco  binding.    Price  (1. 


This  work  is  designed  to  present  as  complete  an  elementary  course  of  Algebra 
a-s  the  time  devoted  to  the  study  of  Mathematics  in  the  Colleges  of  the  United 
States  will  allow,  while  it  will  be  equally  within  the  comprehension  of  the  pupil 
of  the  Iligh  School  or  the  Academy. 

The  author  has  adopted  those  explanations  and  demonstrations  which  an  expe- 
rience of  many  years  in  teaching,  and  a  careful  comparison  of  standard  authors, 
have  shown  to  be  best.  Without  following  the  system  of  any  other  writer,  he  has 
derived  important  aid  from  the  works  of  Gamier,  Bizout,  Reynaud,  Bourdon,  La- 
croix,  Francceur,  Eider,  Hutton,  Thomson,  Goodicyn,  Scott,  and  the  Encyclopedia 
Aletropolitana.  Many  of  hi.s  examples  have  been  selected  from  the  valuable  edi- 
ti'jn  of  Hutton's  Mathematics,  by  Professor  Rutherford,  of  the  Royal  Military 
Academy,  Woolwich. 

This  Algebra  covers  the  full  course  of  Davies'  Bourdon,  and  contains  a  new  and 
bi^autiful  demonstration  of  the  Binomial  Theorem  in  the  case  of  an  Exponent,  by 
P-ofessor  Pike  Powers,  late  of  the  University  of  Virginia. 


ENDORSEMENTS    BY    PROFESSORS,    ETC. 

1  hnve  been  using  "Smith's  Algebra"  for  nearly  twelve  months,  and  can  truly  say  It 
«ti8WiTS  my  purpose  better  than  any  other  I  am  acquainted  with.  It  presents  the  leading 
pr'neipleg  of  the  science  in  a  concise  and  simple  form,  and  especially  those' higher  principle? 
wbich  give  bei.'inners  most  trouble,  so  that  I  have  never  had  my  classes  master  them  befori 
with  80  little  difficulty. —  Prof.  P.  Poioers,  late  of  Virginia  I'nivcrsil!/. 


This  very  excellent  Algebra  has  been  prepared  with  the  greatest  possible  care,  on  an 
«;Iectic  basis,  from  the  best  authorities.  As  an  introduction  it  contains  a  very  intbrp.stiDg 
I  tetory  of  algebra.  —  Philadelphia  Evening  CuUetin. 

45 


standard  Works  on  Mathematics,  Etc. 


ENDORSEMENTS    OF    SMITH'S    ALGEBRA. 

1  have,  ever  since  becomiiii;  fiimiliiir  with  "  Smith's  Algehra,"  rejrarded  it  as  a  masterpiece 
In  that  department  of  mathematical  science —  indeed,  my  feelings  respectint;  it  have  alwayH 
partaken  much  of  the  euthusiastic.  It  bears  the  evident  stamp  of  genius,  and  emli-KJivs 
more  if  the  beauties  of  ingenuity,  simplicity,  and  generalization,  than  any  other  work  ol  that 
class  of  sulijccts  with  which  my  malheuiatical  studies  have  made  me  acquuinted.  —  Pro/eisot 
W.  N.  I'endUion. 

A  new  Algebra,  by  Col.  Francis  A.  Smith,  the  highly  efficient  and  esteemed  Superintendent 
of  our  Military  Institute  at  Lexington,  will  require  no  eulogy  of  ours,  in  view  of  the  rapid 
•nd  entire  succes.i  of  the  author's  previous  work,  the  Statistical  Arithmetic.  No  Virginia 
ichool-boy  will  lose  much  by  being  7nmuj  13ouuyca£tle  ixud  jtlus  Smith. —  Virginian,  H'i«> 
tJtesUr,  Va.  ^ 

Mr.  Smith  has  had  long  experience  in  the  absorbing  pursuit  of  mathematics.  This  trentise, 
eminently  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  elementary  instruction,  hag  attractii-ns  al.^o  for  ad- 
vanced students,  who  have  the  enthusiasm  of  adept^i  for  the  science.  —  J'/iiladtlphia  Xurlh 
American. 


This  is  an  ably  composed  work,  litted  for  the  use  of  Iligh-.schools  and  Colleges.  The 
author's  design  is  to  present  as  complete  an  elementary  course  of  algebra  as  the  time  devoted 
to  the  study  of  mathematics  in  our  acailemies  will  allow.  —  Saturday  Evening  iW. 


Originally  prepared  for  the  u.se  of  the  cadets  of  the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  it  has  sine* 
been  adapted  to  the  present  state  of  mathematical  instruction  in  the  schools,  academies,  and 
oolleges  of  the  United  States.  —  I'eitnsylvaiiia  Inquirer. 


BRIDGE'S  ALGEBRA. 


A  TREATISE 

ON 

THE    ELEMENTS    OF    ALGEBRA. 

BY    THE 

REV.  B.  BRIDGK,  B.  D.,  F.  R.  S., 

FULOW   of   ST.  Peter's   college,   CAMDRIDGE,    A.VD    late    I-IIOFESSOR   op   MATlIEMATICa   III 
TUR    EAMT   I. vol  A    COLI.KOR,    HERTS. 

THE  FIFTY-SECOND  AMEUICAN, 

BEVISKD    A.ND    COIlUKCrKD    FRO.M    TlIK    .SKVENTII    LONDON    EDITION. 

In  one  vol.  12mo.,  2'J4  paijfs,  hnJf-roan  binding.     Price  67  cenlt. 


EXTRACT     FROM     THE     PREFACE. 

"The  favornMe  reception  which  this  trentise  has  met  with  from  the  pul.lic,  hm 
Induced  llic  nutlior,  in  this  edition,  to  make  sonic  considerable  additions  nnrl  iilth 
rntions.  The  wlnde  hns  also  been  rcviseil,  and  the  press  corrected,  Ijy  a  friend  on 
whose  judgment  and  accuracy  the  niithor  has  tlio  greatest  reliance.  It  is  hoped, 
therefore,  that  it  may  still  retain  its  character  as  a  useful  elementary  work  on  Ihii 
branch  uf  uiathcmatical  scicDce." 

4.9 


KEEL'S  AKITIIMETIC. 


^   SYSTEM    OF    ARITHMETIC, 

On    an    ()riyin;il     l^laii ; 

IlKSlU.VED    AS 

A.\   IMPROVEMENT  ON  THE   SYSTEMS   IN   COMMON  USE. 

BY  SIMON  KEEL,  A.  M., 

W  A  S  II  I  NO  TON     UMVEUSITV,     ST.  LOUIS,    MO. 

One  vol.  18/(10  ,  cmUainivg  Id'Zpages,  half-roan  binding.    I'rice  30  cents. 


OPINIONS    OF    EDUCATIONISTS.  * 

'' Kerl's  I'rimiiry  Aritliiiutii-"  is  just  tlie  tliin;^  wanted  to  fill  :i  vacnncy  among  the  school, 
ro  lUs  now  usiil,  wliicli  liail  not  been  adeiiuately  supplied  before.  We  shall  adopt  it  in  th« 
I'reparatory  Department  of  tlie  University  ;  and  we  reeommend  it  to  all  Primary  schools,  con- 
fidently believing  that  they  will  find  it  a  most  valuable  auxiliary  in  laying  the  foundation 
of  mathematical  knowledge.        N.  D.  Tikukll,  )  ^.,^^  ^^^,^  ^  Washington  Vniver 

J.  D.  Low,         )  " 


All  parts  of  Kerl's  Primary  Arithmetic  are  illustrated  by  an  unusually  large  number  of 
examples;  and  I  believe  that  any  student,  wiili  ordinary  attention,  will  be  almost  compelled 
to  understand  it,  I  therefore  commend  it  highly,  and  hazard  the  opinion  that  it  will  be 
approved  by  every  teacher  who  will  give  it  a  fair  trial. —  W.  \V.  Iludsim,  I'res.  Jfissotiri  Univ. 

I  concur  in  the  above  recommendation  of  iMr.  Simon  Kerl's  Arithmetic.  —  B.  S.  Head,  Pro 
fcssor  of  Mathematics  in  Missouri  University. 

I  con.sider  "  Kerl's  Primary  .Arithmetic"  not  only  a  practical  and  analytical  work,  but  emi 
oently  adapted  to  the  speedy  and  .'successful  acquisition  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  great 
and  fundamental  principles  which  are  the  very  foundation  upon  which  alone  cm  be  built  tha 
»ublinic  structure  of  mathematical  knowledge.  —  James  J.  Searcy,  Principal  of  Primary  De- 
partment, Missouri  University. 

In  simplicity,  ."scientific  arrangement,  comprehensiveness,  practical  utility,  and  adaptation  to 
the  taste  and  capacity  of  the  yuung,  I  consider  Kerl's  Arithmetic,  Part  1.,  .-iuperior  to  any  simi- 
lar book  now  used  in  this  State.  I  therefore  recommend  its  adoption  by  the  Common  Schools 
of  our  State,  and  should  be  pleased  to  see  it  brought  into  general  use  by  the  teachers. — il.  B. 
Stark,  Superintendent  of  thmmon  Schools,  Jefferson,  Mo. 

I  have  examined  Kerl's  Elementary  Arithmetic  sufficiently  to  satisfy  my.'ielf  that  the  work 
is  admirably  well  calculated  to  attain  the  end  wliich  the  author  has  in  view.  The  child  that 
has  been  carefully  drilled  in  the  manner  prescribed,  will  make  an  expert  accountant. — Prancit 
P.  O' Louyhlen,  S.  J.,  Professor  of  Mathematics  in  St.  Louis  University, 

I  am  delighted  with  the  simplicity  and  clearness  with  which  you  have  presented  the  fundiv- 
mental  principles  of  Arithmetic,  and  hope  that  you  will  receive  sufiicient  encouragement  to 
give  us  a  complete  series  of  Mathematics.  I  am  inclined  to  adopt  it  as  a  text-book  as  soon  al 
convcuient,  and  encourage  others  to  do  likewise. — J.  A.  IloUis,  Baptist  Fern.  Cut.  Columbia,  Mo. 

•— ♦ — • 

OPINIONS    OF    THE     PRESS. 

"Kol's  System  of  Arithmetic"  aims  to  furnish  such  a  series  of  mental  exercises  as  will 
enable  the  pupil  to  acquire  in  the  easiest  and  most  direct  manner  all  the  knowledge  requi- 
site for  undertaking  and  prosecuting  with  rapidity  and  accuracy  the  study  of  written  .Arith- 
metic. Vi'e  recommend  it  as  a  very  good  introduction  to  the  more  abstract  and  difticult 
branches  of  A'.athematics. —  Missouri  JicpuUican. 

I  am  fully  satisfied  that  if  the  plan  of  Kerl's  Klomentary  Arithmetic  wore  fully  carried  out 
by  teachers,  written  arithmetic  would  be  better  understood,  and  each  pupil  would  perform 
his  calculations  in  a  more  satisfactory  manner  than  heretofore.  —  Charles  Stetoayt,  formerly 
Tiac'ifr  of  Mathematics  in  SI.  Louis,  Missouri. 

■\Ve  think  well  of  its  plan  and  design,  and  commend  the  work  to  the  attention  of  instruct- 
prs  of  youin.  —  Missouri  Statesman. 


We  believe  it  will  answer  admirably  the  purpo.se  for  which  it  was  int<indcd.  —  Mo.  Argtu. 

47 


STANDARD  WORKS 

0.\  TUB 

MODEHN  LANDUAGES, 

pijbi>isiii-:d   by   charlks   u>i:silvi:r, 

714  CHESTNUT  STKEET,  PUILADELI'lIIA. 


CHANDLER'S 
COMMON    SCHOOL    GRAMMAR. 


A    GRAMMAR 


THE    ENGLISH   LANGUAGE, 

A<lapted.   to   the    Use   of  the    Schools   of  Ainerica. 

BY  JOSEPH  R.  CHANDLER, 

LATE   EDITOR   OF   TUE   L'NITED   STATES   GAZETTE. 

In  one  volume,  V2mo.,  208  pages,  half-roan  binding.    Price  38  cents. 


ENDORSEMENTS    OF    TEACHERS,    ETC. 

The  unJerslgneJ,  hnvinf;  examined  Chandler's  Enf^Hsh  Grammnr  with  a  view  tn  asoortnin 
lU  ndnptation  to  the  purpose  of  toarliinj;,  take  preat  pleasure  in  rer(inimendini»  tlie  sanie  a* 
•  work  of  superior  merit.  The  prominent  features  which  seem  to  rorommend  the  loik 
»tron(;ly  to  the  undcrsiijncd,  arc,  first,  the  system  of  commeneing  the  study  with  flie  busi- 
ness of  inductive  parsing;  tlie  intrwlurtion  of  ihe  different  parts  of  speech  pro)?ressiTely ; 
with  a  correct  refi'rence  to  definitions,  together  with  the  uniform  simplicity  of  explanation. 
It  is  the  only  text-hook  on  this  sul.ject  now  in  use  in  Ward  School  No.  19,  New  York,  oou 
tainlni;  over  twelve  hundre-l  pupils. 

W.  C.  Kiiiu,  I'rincipal  Mule  Dcparlmenl,        0.  W.  Petit,  Assistant, 

J.  D.  Dewitt,  Asiittant,  Harriet  N.  Ooldet,  I'rin.  Female  Depart 


The  Hook  Committee  of  the  Waril  School  Teachers'  Association  of  New  York  city,  to  whom 
was  referred  a  Ornmmar  of  the  Kn);lish  Language,  by  Joseph  It.  Chandler,  of  I'hiladelphin, 
be^  leave  to  report  that  Ihey  Imve  carefully  and  critically  examined  it,  and  have  comp.Tn-J 
It  wilh  several  other  recent  liooks  of  the  fame  class,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  expre.ving  tliu 
opinion  tliiit  it  is,  in  many  respects,  and  on  the  whole,  docidwily  superior.  'W'f  thVrefure 
Bulimil  the  following  resolution:  —  "  Uesolred,  That  Chandler's  Orammar  be  adoptinl  by  tbii 
Assuciutiun,  and  that  it  be  introduced  into  our  schools  as  soon  lui  it  can  be  done  conTciiiently." 
E.  M.  ILROV,  W.M   Kennedt.  >  CommiUu.        Jou..  Walsu,  Chairman. 

D.  IIaY.NEJ),  J.  liLACKMKR,      ) 


OommiUu. 


The  n<if)k  Commflteo  of  the  Albany  Co.  Teachers'  Institute,  havini;  carefully  examined 
Chitudler's  (iranimar,  would  cheerfully  recommend  It  to  teachers  and  friends  of  education. 
I'rof  IIkmit  Gallup,  Dr.  I'latt  Wickes,         W.  D.  Palmer, 

II.  S.  MC'ALL,  Ch.Supt,        Dr.  Z.  W.  Sat,  Hknkt  W.  Spaw:», 

ICev.  Marcl'h  Smjtii,  0u)E0.'«  Cornell,  Jekkmuii  C.  Sntuer, 

AVlLLETT  .MaCKET, 

The  thorouch  norjnalntnnco  of  the  author  with  the  sulject  renders  it  unnecessary  for  oa 
to  do  more  than  to  endorse  his  views,  and  to  cuuinend  Ihu  work  a<  one  to  be  relied  on.— 
//ew  OrUant  Qm\mcrcutl  Times. 

M 


Chandler's  Common  School  Grammar. 


The  un<lrTsi,:ne<l,  Comnilssionors  anJ  Inspectors  of  Cotninnn  Scliools  of  the  13th  Wanl, 
N.  Y..  haviiii,',  with  niiicli  cure  aiiJ  ilelibcration,  exaiiiiiu-d  ChaiidUr'fi  (irammar  of  the  Kiiu- 
li.-h  lanj;iia«e,  are  of  the  opiuion  that  fur  scientific  iirrnn^'ciiicnt,  hnppy  illustratii.n,  aiid 
juilicious  application  of  tlie  principles  of  Ciramuiar  to  lannu;i^e.  it  is  UMe<|Ualliil  hy  any  work 
ot  the  kind  ext:int.  We  have,  then-fore,  adopted  it  to  be  used  in  the  Ward  Schools  nnder  our 
charge.        William  A.  Waltehs,  Jame.s  II.  CooK,  Oommissioners.    Ciias.  D.  FitLD,  Imj/fclor. 


For  lucid  explanations  and  familiar  examples,  Chandler's  f.ranimar  is  not  surpassed  hy 
any  other  work  of  a  similar  character  heretofore  issui'd.  As  the  hand-book  of  the  sch<lar 
who  wishes  to  comnu'Uce  the  study  of  Kn^lish  Uranimar,  and  feels  the  need  of  simple  and 
familiar  explauaiioiis  and  illustrations  of  oft-repeated  rules,  this  work  will  be  found  to  b« 
one  of  the  most  useful  ever  issued. —  Cincinnati  Daily  Advertiter. 


The  chief  merit  of  thi«  work  is  the  great  simplicity  of  explanation  which  characterizes  it 
throughout.  It  is  a  decided  improvement  upon  the  old  and  obscure  books  so  long  used  in 
QJosl  of  our  schools.  —  Uprinyficld  {111.)  .Slate  L'eyistur. 


This  .teems  to  be  a  good,  sensible  Grammar,  and  it  would  be  well  if  wo  all,  including  "chil- 
dren of  a  larger  growth,"  studied  it  or  .^ome  other;  for  every  day  shows  instances  of  great 
need  of  such  alteution.  —  i\'.  K  Christian  Inquirer. 

The  "Grammar  King"  is  pulTicient  guarantee  to  us  for  the  excellency  of  tlio  work,  particu- 
larly on  that  subject.  —  Ojjicial  Journal,  '2d  Muniditalily,  iVeiti  Orleans. 


Its  explanations  are  clear  and  comprehensive,  simplifying  the  intric.ncies  of  Grammar  to 
the  level  of  the  humblest  intellect.  —  i\Vit>  Orltans  Daily  liec 


Decidedly  the  best  English  Grammar  that  we  have  eter  seen.  —  Cincinnati  Daily  Allot. 


(/«  r reparation.) 

THE    MODEL   SPELLER; 

IN  WUICH, 

Ey    a    Progressive    Graclalion, 

CHI  JtrVTMLE   LEARNER   PKSSrS   FROM   THE   SIMPLE   MONOSVLLARLE    TO   THE   MOST   IHmitrtT  WOBM 

IN   TUB  ENGLISH    LANGUAGE,    AND   ALSO    IIKCOMKS   OONVtRSVNT   WITH   THE   DLRIVATIO^CS 

OF   WORDS,    AND   THE   MODES   OF   GRUUIM.NO   THEM   INTO   SENTENCES. 

In  one  royal  ISm/j  volume.,  hound  in  hoards.    Price 


McROBERTS'   GRAMMAR. 


THE  SELF-INSTRUCTING 
MODEL    ENGLISH    GBAMMAB; 

EMUUM  INii 

BXEKCISES    IN    OUTIIOGKAl'UY,    ETYMOLOGY,    SYNTAX,    AND    rROSODT, 

AND 

A  COMPLETE  KEY  TO  THE  METHOD  OF  ANALYZING  AND  PARSING) 

INTENDED  TO  AID  TEACUERS  AND  PRIVATE  STUDENTS. 

BY  JOHN  A.  McllOBKllTS, 

TEACHER   OF    ENGLISH   GRAMMAR,   TENNESSEE. 

Jm  one  volume,  Vimo,  2^2  pages,  lialf-roan  hiiuiing.    Price  60  oimtt. 

49 


UIDLAW'S  PRONOUNCING  DICTIONARY. 


AN 

AMERICAN   PRONOUNCING   DICTIONARY 

OF 

THE    ENGLISH    LANGUAGE; 

in  wnicn 

TAKUBLE,   CONTESTED,   AJfD    DIFnCtTT   SPriLINr.S   ARI    DESIONATEB ;    AND    mPIOCUR    INFLECnOire, 

PRIMABT   AND    8KCOXI1AKT    ACCEM8,    APPROPRIATE     PREPOSITIONS,   CORREiiPUNDLNa 

CONJUNCTIONS    AND   AOVKRU-S.    AND   Nl'MEROUS    REFERENCtS   tO 

WRlTlMOa   or   STANDARD   MERIT   AtM    INSERTED; 

AND  TO  WniCU    ARE   APPENDED 

MnniTIONS   OP  OEOCRAPniCAL  KAMES,  ANT)   PROPER   NAMF^   Of   PERSONS.  TRANSLATIONS   OF   FOREIOR 

PUBASES,   BCLE8   FOR   SPELLINO,    LISTS   CONTAINING    THE   CONSERVATIVE   AND 

\rEU«TeilLiN   OnTIIOflRAPIIIES,    AND    A   COLLECTION   Of 

PROVEROS  AND  MAXIMS. 

BY  ALEXANDER  H.  LAIDLAW,  A.M. 
/»  MM  volume,  iquart  Svo.,  oonlaining  600  pagtj,  half-roan  binding.    Priet,  $1.25. 


OPINIONS    OF    EDUCATIONISTS,    ETC. 

If  this  book  had  beon  entirely  anonymouB,  a  very  cursory  exMtiinntion  would  hnve  hoen 
rufflclent  to  dhow  that  it  was  the  work  of  a  practical  tcarhcr.  AvciJinsf,  with  wise  nioilem- 
lioD,  the  attempt  to  make  alar^e  and  ambitious  book,  Mr.  Laidlaw  hu?  conti>ntpii  hini<<rir  with 
the  icore  useful  purpose  of  making  a  Dictionary  which  should  mtot.  directly  and  explicitly, 
the  wants  that  he  has  himwlf  experienced  as  a  teacher.  Kvery  one  who  knows  much  of  the 
public  schools  of  Philailelphia  knows  that  Mr.  I.aiilaw  has  been  for  years  one  of  her  uinst 
eam-ssful  tearhers.  His  own  eminent  and  marked  success  of  it.«elf  creates  a  presumption 
In  faTor  of  a  work  In  which  he  has  embodied  the  fruits  of  his  own  experience,  prowing  out 
of  his  own  professional  want*.  The  mechanical  arrangement  and  execution  of  the  work,  aa 
•  specimen  of  book  manufacture,  deserres  the  highest  commendation.  —  John  S.  Hart,  laU 
Principal  of  the  Ocniral  High  School  of  Phuad^lphia. 

To  keep  up  with  the  Ianf(uaj;e  Is  the  duty  of  the  Dictionary.  New  and  enlarged  edition! 
nnst  app«ar  as  a  matter  of  necessity.  One  of  the  very  latest  is  the  work  now  under  noiice. 
Ita  neope  la  fully  sci  forth  In  the  title-page.  We  believe  It  has  pprulinrilies  which  ronstituta 
a  claim  to  public  patronage.  The  Tolume  is  much  smaller  than  Webst'-r,  owing  mainly  to 
th«  abridgment  of  the  definitions,  and  the  exdusion  of  words  ontiroly  obtolete;  and  not  to 
lla  being  lea«  comprehensive  Id  Its  range.  —  The  Catholic  Mirror. 

This  la  •  work  of  unusual  merit  In  all  of  it*  parts  It  shows  that  it  has  been  undertaken 
by  a  teacher  who  has  felt  the  want  of  a  dictionary  at  the  same  time  oom[>act  and  romprt'lien- 
(Ivp,  and  by  one,  too,  who  has  well  known  how  to  supply  that  want.  It  is  the  first  Diction- 
ary which  contrasts  Web.«t<>rlBn  and  conservative  spellings;  and  f)r  tor«e  cnnipletenetis  of 
deOnlUons  it  haa  no  luporior  In  Lb*  language.  —  Philadelphia  Sunday  Dispatch. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  "  ControUeri  of  the  Public  Schools,  First  District,  Pennsylvania,"  held 
at  tlieControllers'Chamber,  on  Tuesday,  June  14, 18.')9,  the  following  re."olution  was  adopted: 
HftUrtd,  That  "The  American  Pronouncing  Dictionary,"  by  Alexandir  II.  Ivildliiw,  A.M., 
be  Introduced  to  bo  used  in  the  Public  h'chooU  of  this  District.  —  Hubert.  J.  JlimphiU,  Stcrt- 
tary  of  Uu  Hoard  of  Omtrolleri. 

We  have  long  felt  that  such  a  book  should  be  prepared,  but  did  not  expect  to  And  It  so  well 
done,  and  In  such  a  comparatively  small  space.  Mr.  Laidlnw's  dvflnitioni  are  plain  and  renxl- 
ble.  The  Dictionary,  we  supjiosc,  will  become  a  much-us<tl  school. book,  but  every  oni  who 
reads  and  writes  may  advantageously  consult  It. —  I'hiladtlphia  iVtu. 

As  a  school. Nxik  it  is  Invaluable:  wrving  not  only  as  a  oertain  and  reliable  guide  In  the 
fpellliii;  of  all  wor>N  in  the  Knglixli  language,  but  aim)  iifTordlng  a  full  insight  Into  the  art 
•f  Kogliab  composition.  Wu  heartily  commend  Uiis/ticUooaiy  to  the  public — J'mmylMyinicn, 

50 


Laidlaw's  Pronouncing  Dictionary. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE     PRESS. 

Vbf  volume  is  distinguirtlieil  for  a  masterly  troatmont  of  the  powers  nnd  properties  of  onr 
lon^ue,  for  a  judicious  extension  of  the  uses  of  a  dictionary,  for  a  displiiy  of  nice  discrimina- 
tion in  Jiscanling  as  well  as  in  inserting  words,  and  for  choice  and  cultivated  diction.  Th« 
definitions  of  geographical  names,  and  of  the  proper  names  of  persons,  give  it  additional 
interest  nnd  value.  The  rules  for  spelling  contain  much  that  is  new  and  useful,  and  th« 
contrast  of  Webstcrian  and  conservative  orthographies  constitutes  the  only  full  exhiliilinn 
of  the  difTerences,  advantages,  and  disadvantages  of  both  systems,  that  has  yet  bctu  olfered 
fA>  the  public.  —  Daily  Argus,  Philaddphia. 


.Mr  l.aifllaw's  Dictionary  is  intended  to  be  a  manual  for  all  who  speak  and  write,  or.  at 
lea^t,  for  such  as  desire  to  do  this  kind  of  work  with  prerision  and  elegance.  It  eoniain.«,  in 
a  voluiiii-  of  very  moderate  size,  all  the  living  words  in  common  use  in  our  language,  and 
niMiiy  of  their  inflections,  especially  tho.se  wltich  are  irregular  and  consequently  most  lik« 
tfi  rjiuse  euib:irassmcnt  to  a  writer;  variable  and  contested  spellings  and  pronunciations  art 
rrarefully  designated,  and  accents  marked.  The  work  is  prepared  wiih  a  good  deal  of  care, 
Hinl  we  believe  it  to  be  a  perfectly  reliable  standard  of  pronunciation  and  definition. — CatltoU* 
J/crald  and  Visitor.  

B«sidcs  the  comprehensive  catilogue  of  words  contained  in  this  vofle  mrcnm  of  the  Knglish 
Biiguage,  there  is  much  additional  matterof  a  very  useful  character.  The  '•  hints  to  spellers" 
are  invalualile  to  those  who  have  not  quite  miustered  the  language.  I^aidlaw's  Dictionary 
should  be  at  the  elbow  of  every  man  who  writes,  and  its  substance  on  the  tongue  of  every 
one  who  speaks.  We  cannot  recommend  it  too  highly,  and  we  feel  a  pride  in  saying  that  it 
IP  a  rhiladelphia  production.  —  Dailt/  News,  Philadelphia. 


Uesidcs  its  school  purposes,  this  dictionary  will  be  found  very  u.seful  for  ordinary  refer- 
ence in  families.  It  is  cert.iinly  one  of  the  most  comprehensive  volumes  for  its  size  which 
we  have  ever  examined,  containing  among  its  tables  and  lisWmany  things  very  useful  and 
wnveiiieiit.  The  excellence  of  the  larger  dictionaries  now  in  use  demanded  an  improvement 
in  the  "chool  abridgments,  and  the  author  of  this  work  has  responded  to  the  call.  —  North 
Am'.ru.-an,  Philadelphia.  

I'his  work  contains  nearly  40,000  classified  words,  their  pronunciations  and  primary  and 
secondary  accents,  variable,  contested  and  difficult  spellings  designated,  appropriate  preposi- 
tions, references  to  writings  of  standard  merit,  definitions  of  geographical  names,  and  proper 
nanle^  i  f  per.sons;  translations  of  foreign  phra-ses,  rules  for  spelling,  lists  contrasting  the 
.'Oii.serviitive  and  Websterian  orthographies,  &.C.,  making  it  an  excellent  school  Dictionary  — 
f'lMic  Lcdijtr,  Philadelphia.  

A  book  like  this  deserves  a  place  upon  the  household  shelf  of  every  man.  whether  he  b« 
laborer,  mechanic,  or  profe.esional.  It  will  be  a  matter  of  reference  every  day.  to  settle  tlios« 
vexed  little  questions  •' gramatically  "  which  are  constantly  occurring,  and  the  scholar  will 
find  it  an  invaluable  companion  in  his  studies,  when  a  ponderous  Webster  might  prove  an 
ineubus.  —  Philadelphia  Sunday  Mercury. 


This  is  a  carefully  compiled,  well-arranged,  and  eminently  useful  work.  It  embmcos  ■ 
larire  collection  of  words,  to  which  brief  but  clear  definitions  are  affixed,  and  is  well  calci* 
lated  to  bei-ome  a  welcome  visitor  in  the  schools  and  homes  of  America,  in  both  of  which  it 
will  be  found  a  useful  companion. —  Sunday  Atlas. 


At  a  time  when  all  the  world  Is  quarrelling  as  to  which  is  the  correct  system,  that  of 
»<>bster  or  Won-cstcr.  a  neat,  practical  and  carefully  compiled  work  like  the  present,  giving 
ooth  rcadiiiL"    is  much  needed.    As  a  school  book  It  is  one  of  great  merit — Evening  BuUelin. 


Kor  those  who  would  have  a  Dictionary  of  a  tolerable  size,  this  one  is  a  consideration :  and 
no  far  as  we  have  examined  it.  it  is  in  all  respects  reliable.  We  commend  the  work  to  school* 
and  private  fami'.ies,  iu<  a  ready  resolver  of  many  a  difficulty.  —  Philada.  Evening  Journal. 

51 


Laidlaw's  Dictionary  — Jaudon's  Expositor. 


OPINIONS    OF    THE    PRESS. 

T^ie  pronunciation  is  carefully  marked,  the  vocabulary  full  without,  as  was  the  case  with 
talker,  b«'in(;ov('rburdoiied.  In  the  spellinj^  the  author,  who  is  Principal  nf  the  Monroe  (Jram- 
nur  School,  Thiladelphia,  has  soupht  to  provide  "a  brid>ce  on  which  the  advocates  of  both 
Ides  may  meet  to  compromise,"  by  supplying  both  the  Worcester  and  Wcbsleriim  modes  of 
rrilini;.  The  different  words  are  given  in  the  body  of  the  work,  and  sperially  at  th>'  end 
Ve  observe  the  first  place  is  pivcn  to  the  "  WebstiTian,"  the  second  to  the  "conscrvatiTe." 
'here  is  some  other  tabular  matter  at  the  end,  libta  of  foreign  words,  and  a  collection  of  pro 

•rbs. —  TUt  Ctnlury,  Afw  Turk. 


A  peculiarity  of  this  Dictionary,  which  the  title  page  docs  not  set  forth,  consists  of  a  lar^e 
»OMil»  r  of  "  starred"  words,  of  peculiar  spelling,  and  w  Inch  of  tliemselves.  render  it  valualilo 
\a  a  first  class  spelling-book.  In  other  respects,  tlie  best  commendation  that  we  can  p<)s,silily 
Civc  it,  is  the  assertion,  that  the  contents  entirely  and  faithfully  fulfil  what  the  title  pagt 
>romise3.  —  J'hiiaJtlpliia  Sunday  Transcript. 


This  is  really  a  very  useful  work  of  reference,  in  which  the  true  pronunciation  of  every 
4rord  in  the  language  is  given  in  the  clearest  and  most  familiar  manner.  Not  only  is  the 
MHMMiluation  perfect,  but  contested  and  difticult  spellings  are  designated,  while  thedefiditicDi 
ire  concise  and  correct.  —  I'ltiladdphia  Inquirer. 


JAUDON'S  EXPOSITOR. 


TIIK 

ENGLISH  OltTHOGRAPHICAL  EXPOSITOR; 

Dl.lNO 

A    C  0  .M  P  E  N  D  I  0  U  S   S  K  L  E  C  T  I  0  N 

OF   THE 

MOST    USEFUL    WORDS    IN    THE    ENGLISH    L.VNGUAGE, 
ALPHABETICALLY  ARRANGED,  DIVIDED,  ACCENTED,  AND  EXPLAINED, 

ACCORDING  TO  TUK  MOST  APIMIOVEU  MODKR.S  AL'TIIOItS. 
ALSO 

A    LIST    OF    MORE    THAN    EIGHT    HUNDRED    WORDS, 

SIMILAR,  OR  .NKARLY  HIMII.AU  IN   Siit  ND,  III  T  OF  DIKFERKNT  .SI'KI.LIXC  AND  IMPOnT, 

BY     DANIEL    JAUDON, 
THOMAS    WATSON,     AND     STEPHEN     ADDINGTON. 

Oiu  voL,  12mn.,  0.!  r<^yft,  half-roan  hindiiij.     I'rict  OS  unit. 


OPINIONS     OF     THE     PRESS. 

Ifu  mrdlally  commend  "Jnudon'n  K.xposit/ir"  Xo  all  tearliiTs,  and  to  those  doslrouii  of  baT- 
BR  at  hiiud  a  roni|>endiuus  mid  useful  tipellingbook ;  ninl  there  are  few  persons  ^o  can-fully 
iducated  that  thov  do  not  at  times  uved  soma  aid  iu  this  particular.  —  Evening  liulUlin, 
F/iiUuUlphia. 

'Jaudon'i  Kx(K>sitor"  ia  n  comprehensive  manual,  fully  supporting  its  title,  |io  far  or  tha 
— lUian  parpoawof  mttlBtnlury  lustructiuu  rvnuttv.  —  I'hUa.  Js'urlh  Amcruun. 

62 


Date  Due 


